cGMP Signalling in Smooth Muscle Cells of the Vasculature and the Male Reproductive Tract

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are capable to contract and relax and found in many organs. cGMP causes SMC relaxation and is frequently studied in culture. Using aortic SMCs from rats, the first study investigated culture-induced changes in the expression of genes related to cGMP signalling. Most genes changed drastically wherefor cell culture as tool to study cGMP signalling seems questionable. The second study explored SMC contractility which is crucial for sperm transport in the testes. This time using intact tissue and a sophisticated imaging analysis that detected differences in the baseline contractility of different stages of sperm development.