Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Stimulates Motility of the Gubernaculum Via Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate

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Abstract
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), N-truncated CGRP fragments CGRP 8-37 and [Tyr0]-CGRP 28-37, and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (DBcAMP) were studied for their effects on the neonatal male mouse gubernaculum in organ culture. Rhythmic contractions were shown in 18% of control gubernacula, which were enhanced with CGRP, inhibited by CGRP 8-37 and not affected by [Tyr0]-CGRP 28-37. A total of 60 gubernacula was exposed to increasing concentrations of DBcAMP and the percentage of gubernacula showing rhythmic contractions increased from 18 to 60%. These studies demonstrate that the neonatal mouse gubernaculum exhibits endogenous contractility that can be enhanced with CGRP or DBcAMP. These results suggest that cyclic adenosine monophosphate may act as the intracellular second messenger for receptor bound CGRP in the gubernaculum. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that CGRP from the genitofemoral nerve provides directional, chemotactic guidance for inguinoscrotal gubernacular migration during testicular descent.