Preliminary report on the development and characterization of rabbit clitoral smooth muscle cell culture

Abstract

Purpose: Scientific model systems for physiological evaluation and investigation of pathophysiologies in clitoral function have been limited. The aim was to develop a New Zealand White rabbit clitoral corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cell culture.

Methods: Clitoral corpus cavernosum erectile tissue was harvested and placed in culture. Clitoral smooth muscle cells which migrated out from explants were grown to confluence and subcultured. Characterizations were performed by morphological and biochemical analyses.

Results: The cells exhibited typical morphologic characteristics of smooth muscle cells. Indirect immunofluorescence studies confirmed the presence of a-smooth muscle cell actin. Androgen and estrogen receptors were detected by specific antibodies and binding studies. The cells expressed subtypes of TGF-β receptors. Treatment with 80 pM TGF-β₁ 24 h resulted in induction and/or increased availability of TGF-β receptors.

Conclusions: An in-vitro cell culture system using rabbit clitoral smooth muscle cells was developed. These smooth muscle cells retain their biochemical and functional integrity. This in-vitro cell culture system may facilitate studies aimed at understanding the molecular basis of female sexual function.