CONTROL OF BILATERAL SEMINAL EMISSIONS FROM EJACULATORY DUCTS BY A LUMBAR SPLANCHNIC NERVE

To investigate the route of efferent signals for seminal emissions from ejaculatory ducts (SEEDs), canine lumbar splanchnic nerves (LSNs) were electrically stimulated. SEED was confirmed by visual verification of seminal flow into the exposed posterior urethra. In intact dogs, electrical stimulation of an LSN caused bilateral SEEDs in 13 of 16 dogs examined, with a greater volume at the stimulated side. After transection of a unilateral hypogastric nerve, bilateral SEEDs occurred by electrical stimulation of the contralateral LSN in 11 of 14 dogs with a greater volume at the stimulated side and by the stimulation of the ipsilateral LSN in 13 of 15 dogs with a greater volume at the contralateral side. Contraction pressure of the epididymal tail under the same conditions harmonized with the above results. We conclude that each LSN generates bilateral SEEDs by sending signals to bilateral epididymal tails and that some of the signals through each LSN cross to the other side at the caudal mesenteric plexus and/or the prostatic plexus.