Three bombesin-like peptides may help control reproductive smooth muscle movement
A research group has discovered that certain naturally occurring peptides in the body can trigger contractions in the vas deferens—a muscular tube that carries sperm in the male reproductive system.
The findings were in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.
These peptides, known as bombesin-like peptides (neuromedin B, gastrin-releasing peptide, and neuromedin C), were found to play an active role in smooth muscle movement in this organ.
The team, led by Dr. Keisuke Obara, Dr. Kento Yoshioka, and Professor Yoshio Tanaka from the Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, also found that the mRNA for a specific receptor, the bombesin BB2. receptor—which responds to these peptides—is highly expressed in the tissue.
This suggests that the peptides likely act through this receptor to induce contractions. This discovery provides new insights into the regulation of the reproductive system and may contribute to the development of novel treatments for urogenital disorders.
More information: Ge Liu et al, Evidence Showing Bombesin-Like Peptides Contract Guinea Pig Vas Deferens Smooth Muscle, Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2025).
Provided by Toho University