Localization and Function of Cannabinoid Receptors in the Corpus Cavernosum: Basis for Modulation of Nitric Oxide Synthase Nerve Activity

Background: Anandamide, a proposed endogenous cannabinoid (CB) agonist, has been shown to enhance neurogenic responses in vitro of the rat corpus cavernosal tissue (CC). However, no information is available on the distribution of CB-receptors or effects by anandamide in CC from primates or humans. Objective: To characterize the distribution of CB-receptor isoforms in the human and primate CC and to investigate the effects of anandamide on isolated CC preparations. Design, setting, and participants: CC tissue was excised from the crura penis of six rhesus monkeys and five patients. Expression and distribution of CB1 and CB2 receptors were characterized with Western blot analyses and immunohistochemical investigations. The effects of anandamide on isolated CC preparations were analyzed during pharmacologic and nerve-mediated activation of primate tissue in aerated organ baths. Measurements: The expression and localization of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the primate CC and effects of anandamide on nerve-mediated relaxations and pharmacologically evoked contractions. Results and limitations: Western blot experiments revealed CB1 and CB2 receptors at expected band weights. Within and between strands of CC smooth muscle, CB1 and CB2 immunoreactivity (IR) was found in nerve fibers that also expressed IR for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) or transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1). Neither CB1-IR nor CB2-IR nerves were colocalized with calcitoningene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing or tyrosine hydroxylase-containing nerves. No differences were observed between primate and human CC sections. Anandamide (10(-9) to 10(-4) M) had no contractile effects on CC smooth muscle, no relaxant effects on precontracted preparations, and no effect on phenylephrine-induced contractions. However, anandamide (10 mu M) inhibited electrically evoked smooth-muscle relaxations (34-48%; p <= 0.05). Conclusions: CB1 and CB2 receptors are located on NOS-containing nerves in primate and human CC tissue. In contrast to findings in rats, anandamide antagonized nerve-mediated relaxations of the primate CC, suggesting important species differences for CB-mediated functions. The results also suggest a peripheral mechanism for cannabis-related sexual dysfunction. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Association of Urology.