Vascular permeability factor (vascular endothelial growth factor) is strongly expressed in the normal male genital tract and is present in substantial quantities in semen.

Abstract

Vascular permeability factor (VPF) is a potent inducer of microvascular hyperpermeability and stimulates endothelial cell growth and angiogenesis. This study examines expression of VPF in the male genital tract. Vascular permeability factor in seminal plasma was quantified by immunoassay. Vascular permeability factor mRNA and protein expression in tissue were studied by situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. All seminal plasmas studied contained high levels of VPF. Prostatic and seminal vesicle epithelium labeled strongly for VPF mRNA and protein. The strong expression of VPF in prostate and seminal vesicle and the high concentration of VPF in semen suggest an important role for this cytokine in male fertility.