Effect of Ferula elaeochytris root extract on smooth muscle contraction of vas deferens gland in rat

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Ferula elaeochytris (FE) at the prostatic and epididymal ends of rat vas deferens. Methods: The effects of cumulative concentrations of FE (10 μL; 31.25 mg/μL and 20 μL; 62.5 mg/μL) were investigated on prostatic and epididymal ends of rat vas deferens in the presence of prazosin (0.3 μM), suramin (100 μM), atropine (10 nM) and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NOARG; 100 μM). The muscle contractions were induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS; 4 Hz, 50 V, 0.15 ms). Calcium (3 and 6 mM) was added into the bath medium while electrical field stimulation (EFS) was in progress. Results: Ferula elaeochytris significantly inhibited the muscle contractions induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of prazosin or suramin, the contractile responses to EFS were significantly inhibited by FE at the prostatic and epididymal ends of vas deferens (p < 0.05). However, this inhibition was not affected by atropine and L- NOARG, suggesting that there is no direct interaction of FE with cholinergic and nitrergic responses. However, in the presence of prazosin or suramin, Ca2+ addition to the organ bath significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of FE at the prostatic and epididymal ends of vas deferens (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results show an inhibitory effect for the extract of FE on neurogenic contractile activity of prostatic and epididymal ends of vas deferens. This effect of FE may be associated with Ca2+ channels. Keywords: Contractile activity; Electrical Field Stimulation (EFS); Ferula elaeochytris; Rat; Vas deferens