Korean J Androl.  2006 Dec;24(3):156-161.

Effects of Testosterone on the Expression of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-beta1 in Rat Penile Corpus Cavernosum

• Jung SI
• Lee MN
• Ahn K
• Park K

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of testosterone on the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in rat penile corpus cavernosum.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=60) were divided into 3 groups: control, castration, and testosterone replacement after castration. Testosterone was administered for 7 days at week 1 and week 2 after castration. The intracavernosal pressure/systemic blood pressure was recorded after pelvic nerve stimulation. Expression of TGF-beta1 was determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
At week 1 and 2 after castration, the intracavernosal pressure/systemic blood pressure was significantly decreased in the castration group (31.3+/-15.7%, 18.6+/-4.6%) compared to the control group (58.0+/-11.4%, 58.9+/-8.2%) and testosterone replacement group (50.6+/-14.5%, 49.1+/-19.4%)(p<0.05). The expression of TGF-beta1 was increased at both 1 and 2 weeks of castration compared to the control group, and was down-regulated with testosterone replacement.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the testosterone maintains erectile function and regulates the expression of TGF-beta1 in the rat penile corpus cavernosum.

Keyword

Erectile dysfunction; Testosterone; TGF-beta1

MeSH Terms

Animals
Blood Pressure
Castration
Erectile Dysfunction
Humans
Immunoblotting
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Rats*
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Testosterone*
Transforming Growth Factor beta1
Transforming Growth Factors*
Testosterone
Transforming Growth Factor beta1
Transforming Growth Factors