Effects of low level testosterone on the corpus cavernosum cells in rats with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Objective To investigate the changes of testosterone levels and the effect of low level testosterone on the corpus cavernosum tissue and its ultrastructure in rats with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction.Methods Three-month-old male Wistar rats ( n =20) were divided into 2 groups:the contorl group (n =10) and the diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction group (n =10).Serum levels of testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay and the percentage of corporal smooth muscle cells was detected by Masson staining.The ultrastructures of corporal smooth muscle cells were examined under the transmission electron microscopy.Results The serum levels of testosterone in the diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction group ( 17.445 ± 2.540) nmol/L were obviously lower than in the contorl group (338.457 ± 63.802) nmol/L,P ＜ 0.01.The percentage of corporal smooth muscle cells ( 19.890 ±1.957) ％ was higher in the control group than in the diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction group (5.640 ± 0.597)％,P ＜0.01.Ultrastructurally,in the smooth muscle cells of cavernous tissue,there were more Goigi bodies and secretory vacuoles,and the karyoplasmic ratio was higher in the diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction group than in the control group.Aslo the degeneration of mitochondria,the dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum and the decreases of glycogen particles and microfilaments could be observed.Conclusion The decline of testosterone levels may lead to the pathological changes of corpus caveruosum cells in rats with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction. Key words: Testosterone; Erectile dysfunction; Diabetes mellitus; Ultrastructu