Abstract
Purpose: Abnormalities of the relaxation and contraction of the corpus cavernosum can lead to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, we induced a partial bladder outlet obstruction(PBOO) in male rats, and investigated the mechanisms of penile dysfunction with endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), endothelin-1(ET-1), and apoptosis of peri-vascular smooth muscle and connective tissue cells in the corpus cavernosum. Materials and Methods: PBOO was induced in 13 Sprague-Dawley rats by placing a 25 gauge needle sheath around the urethra, then ligating the bladder neck with a 3-0 suture. Three week after surgery, distal penile tissues were dissected for immunohistochemical staining, immunoblotting, and TUNEL staining. Results: The expression of eNOS and VEGF were significantly decreased, whereas the expression of ET-1 and apoptosis of perivascular smooth muscle and connective tissue cells were significantly increased in the corpus cavernosum. Conclusions: The significant increase of ET-1 and apoptosis along with decreased eNOS and VEGF could mediate erectile dysfunction.
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