Possible role of transient receptor potential melastatin 4 channels in adrenergic contractions in mouse prostate smooth muscles.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) cation channels are expressed in prostate glands. However, the precise role of these channels in prostate contractility remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether TRPM4 channels were involved in adrenergic contractions in the mouse prostate gland. Adrenergic contractile responses elicited by noradrenaline or electrical field stimulation of the sympathetic nerve were isometrically recorded, and the effects of 9-phenanthrol, a specific TRPM4 channel inhibitor, on those contractile responses were investigated in mouse ventral prostate preparations. 9-phenanthrol (10 or 30 µM) inhibited noradrenaline- and sympathetic nerve-evoked contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. A similar inhibitory effect was observed with another TRPM4 channel inhibitor, 4-chloro-2-(2-(naphthalene-1-yloxy) acetamido) benzoic acid (NBA; 10 µM). Inhibition by 9-phenanthrol and NBA were much greater at lower noradrenaline concentrations and lower stimulus frequencies than those of higher concentrations or frequencies. However, 9-phenanthrol did not inhibit the noradrenaline-induced contractile response when the membrane potential was decreased to approximately 0 mV in the 140 mM K+ medium. Moreover, 9-phenanthrol does not affect noradrenaline-induced increases in spontaneous contractions of cardiac atrial preparation. This agent inhibited noradrenaline-induced contractions in the posterior aorta preparation. However, the inhibitory effect was significantly weaker than that observed in the prostate gland. These results suggest that TRPM4 channels are involved in adrenergic contractions in the mouse prostate gland, possibly through membrane depolarization by their opening; therefore, they might be potential candidates for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Babesia canis vogeli in stray dogs in Mahasarakham province, Thailand.

Canine tick borne diseases showing distribution worldwide have caused morbidity and mortality in dogs. This study observed the mainly tick borne pathogens described for dogs in Thailand, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Babesia canis vogeli. From May to July 2014, blood samples were collected from 79 stray dogs from 7 districts of Mahasarakham province to molecular surveyed for 16s rRNA gene of E. canis and 18s rRNA gene of H. canis and B. canis vogeli. Twenty eight (35.44%) of stray dogs showed the infection with tick borne pathogens. The prevalence of E. canis infection was the highest with 21.5% (17/79). DNA of H. canis and B. canis vogeli were detected at the prevalence of 10.1% (8/79) and 6.3% (5/79), respectively. Co-infection between E. canis and B. canis vogeli were identified in 2 (2.5%) dogs. The results indicated that a wide range of tick borne pathogens are circulation in the canine population in Mahasarakham province. This study is the first report on prevalence of E. canis, H. canis and B. canis vogeli in stray dogs in Mahasarakham, a province in northern part of Thailand. This data providing is important to understand the prevalence of E. canis, H. canis and B. canis vogeli infection in stray dogs in this region, which will assist in the management of these blood parasite.