Abstract
The vasoactive intestinal polypeptide occurs in a richly developed population of nerves that are abundant in the female genitourinary tract. In pigs, cats, rats, and mice these nerves seem to innervate vessels and smooth musculature. Evidence indicates that vasoactive intestinal polypeptide represents a peptide neurotransmitter. Its effects on uterine blood flow and contractility, for example, may be considerable.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cats
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Female
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Gastrointestinal Hormones / metabolism*
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Genitalia, Female / innervation*
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Genitalia, Female / metabolism
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Mice
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Muscle, Smooth / innervation
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Muscle, Smooth / metabolism
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
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Neurons / metabolism*
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Rats
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Species Specificity
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Swine
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Urogenital System / innervation*
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Urogenital System / metabolism
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Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / metabolism*
Substances
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Gastrointestinal Hormones
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide