Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum and plasmalemmal Ca(2+)-ATPase activities in cremaster muscles and sacs differ according to the associated inguinal pathology.

Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) and plasmalemmal Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) activities in cremaster muscles and sacs, which have been subjected to different autonomic tonuses, were determined and compared. Samples of cremaster muscles and sacs associated with male or female inguinal hernia, hydrocele or undescended testis were obtained from children during operations and activities of SERCA and PMCA were determined. While highest SERCA and PMCA activities were encountered among cremaster muscles and sacs associated with undescended testis, least activities were encountered among structures associated with hydrocele. The alterations in SERCA and PMCA activities in cremaster muscles associated with undescended testis appear to reflect the attempts at maintaining the levels of cytosolic calcium. Despite similar total calcium contents, lower SERCA and PMCA activities were found in sacs associated with hydrocele compared to those associated with undescended testis suggest a difference among the levels of cytosolic calcium.

Increased plasminogen activator enzymes of the tunica vaginalis in long-standing idiopathic hydrocele.

Previous research has shown increased fibrinolytic activity of the serous membranes as a reaction to stimuli that did not destroy their mesothelium. Large amounts of fluid remarkably stretch and chronically stimulate the tunica vaginalis in long-standing idiopathic hydrocele. For these reasons, a prospective controlled study was carried out in 30 male patients in order to investigate the possible alterations of the fibrinolytic capacity of this serosa by a method suitable for measuring plasminogen activator content of a single layer of cells. A possible role of plasminogen activator enzymes as a protective barrier against incidental absorption of fibrin/fibrinogen from the hydrocele fluid into vaginal tissues is considered.