Innervation of vas deferens and accessory male genital glands in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Neurochemical characteristics and relationships to the reproductive activity

Autonomic nerves supplying mammalian male internal genital organs have an important role in the regulation of reproductive function. To find out the relationships between the neurochemical content of these nerves and the reproductive activity, we performed a histochemical and immunohistochemical study in a species, the water buffalo, exhibiting a seasonal sexual behaviour. The distribution of noradrenergic and nitric oxide synthase (NOS)- and peptide-containing nerves was evaluated during the mating and non-mating periods. Fresh segments of vas deferens and accessory genital glands were collected immediately after slaughter and immersed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Frozen sections were obtained and processed according to single and double labelling immunofluorescent procedures or NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. During the mating period, a dense noradrenergic innervation was observed to supply the vas deferens as well as the accessory genital glands. NOS- and peptide-containing nerves were also observed but with a lower density. During the non-mating period noradrenergic nerves dramatically reduced. In addition, neuropeptide Y (NPY)- and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-containing nerves were also reduced. These findings suggest the presence of complex interactions between androgen hormones and the autonomic nerve supply in the regulation of male water buffalo reproductive functions.