Capsaicin mediates cell death in bladder cancer T24 cells through reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial depolarization.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of capsaicin (CAP) on proliferation of bladder cancer T24 cells in vitro as well as on xenografts in nude mice in vivo. METHODS: T24 cells were assessed for cell viability and apoptosis by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry analysis after incubation with different concentrations of CAP. To uncover the mechanism by which CAP affected the viability of T24 cells, intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed. To study the in vivo effects of CAP, T24 cells were grown as xenografts in nude mice and CAP (5 mg/kg by wt) was subcutaneously injected into nude mice with bladder tumors. RESULTS: CAP decreased the viability of T24 cells in a dose-dependent manner without marked apoptosis. CAP induced ROS production and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, thereby inducing cell death, not apoptosis, in T24 cells at a concentration of 100 microM or higher. Furthermore, these effects of CAP could be reversed by capsazepine, the antagonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channel. In vivo experiment showed that CAP significantly slowed the growth of T24 bladder cancer xenografts as measured by size (661.80 +/- 62.03 vs 567.02 +/- 43.94 mm(3); P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: CAP mediates cell death in T24 cells through calcium entry-dependent ROS production and mitochondrial depolarization, and it may have a role in the management of bladder cancer.

Effects of TRPM8 on the proliferation and motility of prostate cancer PC-3 cells.

We investigated the effects of transient receptor potential M8 (TRPM8) channel on the proliferation and motility of androgen-independent prostate cancer PC-3 cells. After being permanently transfected with an empty vector and cDNA encoding the TRPM8 protein, cells were analysed for cell cycle distribution and motility using flow cytometry and scratch assay. Immunocytochemistry and Ca2+ imaging analysis revealed the overexpression of functional TRPM8 channel on both endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane of PC-3-TRPM8 cells. Cell cycle distribution and scratch assay analysis revealed that TRPM8 induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 stage (P < 0.05) and facilitated the cell apoptosis induced by starvation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TRPM8 inhibited the migration of PC-3-TRPM8 cells (P < 0.01) through the inactivation of focal-adhesion kinase. It appears that TRPM8 was not essential for the survival of PC-3 cells; however, the overexpression of TRPM8 had negative effects on the proliferation and migration of PC-3 cells. Thus, TRPM8 and its agonists may serve as important targets for the treatment of prostate cancer.

The effect of platelet-rich plasma on cavernous nerve regeneration in a rat model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on cavernous nerve (CN) regeneration and functional status in a nerve-crush rat model. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: eight had a sham operation, eight underwent bilateral nerve crushing with no further intervention and eight underwent bilateral nerve crushing with an immediate application of PRP on the site of injury. Erectile function was assessed by CN electrostimulation at 3 months and nerve regeneration was assessed by toluidine blue staining of CN and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase staining of penile tissue. Three months after surgery, in the group that underwent bilateral nerve crushing with no further intervention, the functional evaluation showed a lower mean maximal intracavernous pressure (ICP) and maximal ICP per mean arterial pressure (MAP) with CN stimulation than those in the sham group. In the group with an immediate application of PRP, the mean maximal ICP and maximal ICP/MAP were significantly higher than those in the injured control group. Histologically, the group with the application of PRP had more myelinated axons of CNs and more NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibres than the injured control group but fewer than the sham group. These results show that the application of PRP to the site of CN-crush injury facilitates nerve regeneration and recovery of erectile function. Our research indicates that clinical application of PRP has potential repairing effect on CN and peripheral nerves.

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic gastric neobladder: technique and initial outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To report our operative technique and initial outcomes of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and external orthoptic gastric neobladder. METHODS: Since 2003, nine patients have undergone laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic gastric neobladder at our institution. The specimen is extracted through a 6-cm vertical minilaparotomy incision above the umbilicus. The gastric neobladder was constructed as our open technique using the part of stomach body and antrum with the pedicle of gastroepiploic vascular bundle through the site of specimen retrieval. The operative data, complications and follow-up functional data were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 365 min (300-450). Mean blood loss was 520 ml (200-1,500) and four patients (44.4%) required blood transfusion. In all cases no conversion to open surgery was necessary. The length of stay was 17 days and the total complication rate was 55.6% (five cases). All patients were free of recurrence at a mean follow-up of 22 months (3-48). The day and night incontinence rate was 11.1 and 44.4%, respectively. At 6 months after operation, urodynamic evaluations indicated a larger capacity, low pressure urinary reservoir. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic gastric neobladder is a feasible intervention. The external construction of the gastric neobladder using the part of stomach body and antrum is quick and safe. With precise and increased operative technique, the LRC with orthotopic gastric bladder may be a good choice for urinary diversion. However, the larger samples, long-term compared studies with bowel diversions are required to evaluate this new technique.

[Effect of platelet rich plasma on the regeneration of cavernous nerve: experiment with rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the regeneration of injured cavernous nerve (CN). METHODS: Blood was collected from the hearts of 6 SD rats to prepare PRP. 24 male adult rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: pure suture group undergoing bilateral CN transaction and pure suture immediately, PRP group undergoing bilateral CN transaction + suture + PRP 200 microl to the site of suture, and sham operation group. 3 months later intracavernous pressure (ICP) was measured by CN electrostimulation and then samples of CN were obtained to undergo pathological examination. RESULTS: 3 months later after surgery, the ICP of the pure suture group was (46 +/- 8) cm H2O, significantly lower than that of the sham group [(109 +/- 13) cm H2O, P < 0.01], and that of the PRP group was (94 +/- 13) cm H2O, significantly higher than that of the pure sutured group (P < 0.01), however, still significantly lower than that of the sham operation group (P < 0.05). The number of axons of CN in the PRP group was (121 +/- 16), significantly higher than that of the pure sutured group (70 +/- 14, P < 0.01); however, still significantly lower than that of the sham operation group (181 +/- 21, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: PRP can promote the regeneration of injured CN and the recovery of erectile function.

17beta-estradiol affects proliferation and apoptosis of rat prostatic smooth muscle cells by modulating cell cycle transition and related proteins.

Abundant evidence indicates that estrogens have an important role in the pathology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To investigate the effect of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on the proliferation and apoptosis of prostatic smooth muscle cells (PSMCs), rat PSMCs were obtained and exposed to gradient concentrations (0.1-100 nmol/l) of E2 over varying amounts of time. The progression of cell cycle, cellular apoptosis, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were detected. The data show that the effect of E2 on rat PSMCs is bilateral: it promotes cell proliferation by enhancing the expression of cyclin D1, which accelerates G1 to S phase transition; on the other hand, it induces apoptosis of the cells by up-regulating the expression of Bax. We thus suggest that an increase in estrogen may exert a launching effect in the pathology of BPH.

[Intraprostatic urinary reflux associated prostatitis caused by partial urethral obstruction in the rat model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP / CPPS) by constructing the rat model of intraprostatic urinary reflux associated prostatitis caused by partial urethral obstruction. METHODS: Fifty-four SD male rats were divided into an experiment group (n = 30) and a partial urethral obstruction (PUO) sham operation group (n = 24). Shinsuke Takechi's surgical method was adopted to achieve PUO and induce intraprostatic urinary reflux in the experiment group. While in the sham operation control group, the prostates were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days after release from 3-day PUO, their morphological changes observed with the light microscope and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Inflammation was observed in the prostate of the experiment group at 1, 3 and 7 days after release from PUO and alleviated with the passing of time, while the control group remained normal. The expression of COX-2 in the prostate was significantly higher in the experiment group than in the control (P < 0.05) and the staining of COX-2 became stronger with the lapse of time (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An animal model of intraprostatic urinary reflux associated prostatitis was constructed. The up-regulated expression of COX-2 induced by intraprostatic urinary reflux may be closely related with the development of CP / CPPS.

Improvement in erectile dysfunction after insulin-like growth factor-1 gene therapy in diabetic rats.

AIM: To determine whether adenoviral gene transfer of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to the penis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats could improve erectile capacity. METHODS: THE STZ diabetic rats were transfected with AdCMV-betagal or AdCMV-IGF-1. These rats underwent cavernous nerve stimulation to assess erectile function and their responses were compared with those of age-matched control rats 1 to 2 days after transfection. In control and transfected STZ diabetic rats, IGF-1 expression were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and histology. The penis beta-galactosidase activity and localization of the STZ diabetic rats were also determined. RESULTS: One to two days after transfection, the beta-galactosidase was found in the smooth muscle cells of the diabetic rat penis transfected with AdCMV-betagal. One to 2 days after administration of AdCMV-IGF-1, the cavernosal pressure, as determined by the ratio of maximal intracavernous pressure-to-mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) and total intracavernous pressure (ICP), was increased in response to cavernous nerve stimulation. Transgene expression was confirmed by RT-PCR, Western blot and histology. CONCLUSION: Gene transfer of IGF-1 significantly increased erectile function in the STZ diabetic rats. These results suggest that in vivo gene transfer of IGF-1 might be a new therapeutic intervention for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the STZ diabetic rats.

[IFN-gamma and TGF-beta1, levels in the expressed prostatic secretions of patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma and anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-beta1, in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) of men with chronic abacterial prostatitis and their clinical significance. METHODS: The levels of IFN-gamma and TGF-beta1, in the EPS of 20 patients with inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (type III A), 20 patients with non-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (type Ill B) and 10 healthy men were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were analysed comparatively with NIH-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI). RESULTS: IFN--gamma and TGF-beta1 levels were higher in III ([14.92 +/- 7. 85)], [8477.50 +/- 4612.45] ng/L) and III B ([13.74 +/- 5.96], [7946.50 +/- 5044.06] ng/L) prostatitis patients than those in the controls ([7.47 +/- 1.49], [2462.50 +/- 985.31] ng/L), P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in cytokine levels between III A and Il B prostatitis patients. No correlation was found between NIH-CPSI and cytokine levels, r = 0.02, P = 0.86, r = 0.31, P = 0.76. CONCLUSION: IFN-gamma and TGF-beta1, play a very important role in the etiology of chronic abacterial prostatitis and can be the objective parameters in the diagnosis of chronic abacterial prostatitis.

Oligozoospermia with normal fertility in male mice lacking the androgen receptor in testis peritubular myoid cells.

Androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) play important roles in the testes. Previously we have shown that male total AR knockout (T-AR-/y) mice revealed incomplete germ cell development and lowered serum testosterone levels, which resulted in azoospermia and infertility. However, the consequences of AR loss in particular types of testicular cells remain unclear. Using a Cre-loxP conditional knockout strategy, we generated a tissue-selective knockout mouse with the AR gene deleted in testis peritubular myoid cells (PM-AR-/y). Phenotype analyses showed that PM-AR-/y mice were indistinguishable from WT AR (AR+/y) mice with the exception of smaller testes size. PM-AR-/y mice have serum testosterone concentrations comparable with AR+/y mice. PM-AR-/y mice have oligozoospermia in the epididymis; however, fertility was normal. Although normal germ cell distribution ratio was found, total germ cell number decreased in PM-AR-/y mice. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that PM-AR-/y mice have defects in the expression of Sertoli cells' functional marker genes such as tranferrin, epidermal fatty acid-binding protein, androgen-binding protein, and other junction genes including occludin, testin, nectin, zyxin, vinculin, laminingamma3, gelsolin, connection43, and N-cadherin. Furthermore, there were defects in peritubular myoid cell contractility-related genes such as endothelin-1, endothelin receptor A and B, adrenomedullin, adrenomedullin receptor, and vasopressin receptor 1a. Together, our PM-AR-/y mice provide in vivo evidence for the requirement of functional AR in peritubular myoid cells to maintain normal Sertoli cells function and peritubular myoid cell contractility, thus ensuring normal spermatogenesis and sperm output.

[Growth hormone enhances regeneration of cavernous nerves after their transplantation in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of growth hormone (GH) on penile erection after reconstruction of cavernous nerves using sural nerve as an interposition nerve graft in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (3-4 ms of age and 300-400 g in weight) were randomly divided into 2 groups: nerve graft group and GH group, each electrostimulated to determine the erectile potency 2 and 4 months after nerve graft (followed by hypodermic GH injection). The nNOS-positive nerve fibers in the corpora cavemosa were examined by streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry technique (SP method). Image analysis was used to calculate the area stained in pixel. RESULTS: Electrostimulation at 2 months produced 31.25% of erections in the GH group but none in the grafted rats. There was a significant difference in the erection rate produced by electrostimulation between the two groups at 2 months (P < 0.05). The pixel of the expression of nNOS-positive nerve fibers in the GH group (38971 +/- 7692) was also greater than that of the graft group (16538 +/- 3179, P < 0.05). At 4 months, 43.75% of the graft group and 75% of the GH group produced erections upon electrostimulation, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The pixels of the expression of nNOS-positive nerve fibers were 79276 +/- 12,021 and 91348 +/- 18965, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: GH can accelerate the regeneration of cavernous nerves after bilateral nerve grafting, and GH administration may present a new physiological approach to the treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical pelvic surgery.

Erectile dysfunction after PlasmaKinetic vaporization of the prostate: incidence and risk factors.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) after PlasmaKinetic vaporization of the prostate (PKVP) using objective and subjective parameters and risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 153 men completed a questionnaire detailing perceived sexual dysfunction and underwent nocturnal penile-tumescence testing using the RigiScan for three consecutive nights 3 or 4 days preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 scores were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. Full details of each operation were recorded, including grams of tissue resected, operative time, any short-term complications, especially emphasizing capsular perforation, and concomitant diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The association of risk factors with the development of ED after PKVP was assessed. Complete data were available for 103 men (67.3%). Their mean age was 62.1 years (range 48-83 years). RESULTS: Postoperatively, 11 patients (10.6%) were found to have ED. Patients who developed ED postoperatively had a lower IIEF-5 score and penile-tumescence parameters preoperatively (for all parameters, P < 0.0001). As risk factors, diabetes, capsular perforation, and an IIEF-5 score <21 were found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ED after PKVP measured objectively was 10.6%. In the absence of the risk factors, PKVP is a safe therapeutic strategy with regard to sexual function.

[Antifertility effect of 30% ethanol retro-injection into rat vas deferens].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the antifertility effect and safety of 30% ethanol retro-injection into the vas deferens of the rat. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats, 3 m of age and (200 +/- 20) g in weight, were equally randomized into an experimental group and a control group. The former received 30% ethanol (0.5 ml) and the latter 0.9% sodium chloride (0.5 ml), both retro-injected into the vas deferens. Pregnancy rates were obtained through pregnancy tests with 60 Sprague-Dawley female adult rats 1.5 m and 3 m after the injection. All the male rats were sacrificed three months later, and tests were done for the rates of sperm motility and deformity as well as for the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells with TUNEL. RESULTS: The 1.5 m pregnancy rate was 0 and the 3 m sperm motility and pregnancy rates were (0.32 +/- 1.12)% and (0.58 +/- 1.27)%, significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as compared with those of the control group, which were (80.62 +/- 2.68)%, (70.68 +/- 1.62)% and (86.62 +/- 1.68)%, respectively. While the 3 m sperm deformity rate in the experimental group was (78.26 +/- 1.08)%, increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the apoptosis index (AI) of spermatogenic cells was (7.63 +/- 1.16)% as compared with (5.62 +/- 1.32)% of the control group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Retro-injection of 30% ethanol into the vas deferens of the rat produces significant antifertility effect on rats, but has no significant influence on their spermatogenic cells.

Effects of epidermal growth factor on sperm content and motility of rats with surgically induced varicoceles.

AIM: To investigate the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the sperm content and motility of the varicocelized rats. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Experimental varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein in the varicocele, the varicocele repair, the varicocele with EGF and the varicocele repair with EGF groups, whereas the control group only received a sham induction of varicocele. Surgical repair of varicocele was performed 4 months later in the varicocele repair and varicocele repair with EGF groups. EGF administration was performed daily by s.c. injection in the varicocele with EGF and varicocele repair with EGF groups at the dose of 10 microg/(kg.day) from the next day of the second surgery. One month later, all animals were killed and bilateral cauda epididymal sperm counts and motility were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean sperm count and percentage of motile spermatozoa were significantly higher bilaterally in the varicocele with EGF group than in the varicocele group (P < 0.05). They were also significantly higher bilaterally in the varicocele repair with EGF group than in the varicocele repair and the varicocele with EGF groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EGF can improve bilateral epididymal sperm content and motility of the rat with surgically induced varicocele. The administration of EGF in combination with surgical repair is more effective than surgical repair or EGF administration alone. EGF might be useful for the treatment of infertility induced by varicocele.

[Vas-to-Epididymis antidromic injection of 30% ethanol reduces sperm motility in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reduction of sperm motility in rats induced by vas-to-epididymis antidromic injection of 30% ethanol and its mechanism. METHODS: Forty male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 groups: bilateral vas injection (n = 15) , sham operation control (n = 15) and normal (n = 10). An aliquot of 0.5 ml of 30% ethanol was injected from vas to epididymis bilaterally. After 1 month, all the rats'vasa and epididymides were ablated for studies of the sperm motility, construction changes of the vas and contents of IL-6, IFN-gamma and carnitine of the epididymis. RESULTS: There was markedly significant difference in sperm motility in the injection group (P < 0.01). The number of sperms in the bilateral vas injection group was 31, while in the sham operation control and normal groups was 64 and 68, respectively. The contents of IL-6 and IFN-gamma increased, and the carnitine reduced significantly (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were noted between the control and the normal groups (P > 0.05). The contents of IL-6, IFN-gamma and carnitine in the bilateral vas injection group were 772.7 pg/ml, 350.7 pg/ml and 491.1 mol/L. But the same indexes in the sham operation and normal groups were 308.5 pg/ml, 172. 2 pg/ml and 664. 6 mol/L and 287. 8 pg/ml, 163. 8 pg/ml and 605.5 mol/L. CONCLUSION: The antidromic injection of ethanol from vas to epididymis can not only interfere the environment for sperm maturation but also activate the immunologic cells that secrete many cytokines (CK) in the genital system. All the factors can induce the reduction of sperm motility.

[Impacts of denervation on the morphology and expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase of prostate of adolescent rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impacts of denervation on the morphology and the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) of prostate of the adolescent rats. METHODS: Adolescent male SD rats were randomly divided into group A and group B. The right pelvic ganglion denervation was performed in group B with the help of surgical microscope, and group A received a sham operation. Five weeks later, the ventral prostates were obtained for morphologic observation, apoptosis detection and the evaluation of nNOS expression. RESULTS: A 30.8% reduction of right ventral prostate (RVP) fresh weight was found in group B. After denervation, histological features showed an overall decrease in the numbers of cells and cell height, and apoptosis indexes (AI) was significantly higher than that in group A (P <0.01), while the expression of nNOS decreased apparently (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The study indicates that denervation can cause apoptosis of the prostatic, and affect the prostate growth of the adolescent rat. During this process, nNOS plays an important role in the regulation of apoptosis.

[Effects of experimental varicocele on methylenedioxyamphetamine, total antioxidants content and sialic acid of the epididymis in adolescent rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), total antioxidants content (TAC) and sialic acid (SA) from the unilateral epididymis of experimental varicocele in adolescent rats, and to illuminate the effects of varicocele on unilateral epididymis epithelium. METHODS: Experimental left varicocele model of 16 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were established by partial ligation of left renal vein. The epididymis were collected for detecting the content of MDA, TAC and SA by using spectrophotometry. RESULTS: There was statistically significant differences in the contents of three substances between experimental varicocele and sham-operated groups. CONCLUSION: The content of MDA, TAC and SA will change and the sialic acid-secreting-function of unilateral epididymis will be injured because of varicocele.

[Relationship between germ cells apoptosis and alterations of total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide level and nitric oxide synthase activity in testes of rats submitted to alcohol drinking].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between germ cells apoptosis and alterations of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), nitric oxide(NO) level and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the testes of rats submitted to alcohol drinking. METHODS: Twenty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (3 months old) were randomly divided into two groups: control group and experimental group. 50% alcohol and distilled water were administered intragastrically at a dose of 10 ml/kg body weight to two groups of rats respectively. After twenty-six days, the biochemical parameters (T-AOC, NO level and NOS activity) were measured with spectrophotometric determination. The TdT-mediated dUTP-X nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique was used to detect germ cells apoptotic index (AI). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, AI was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the experimental group; T-AOC level reduced obviously (P < 0.01), but NO level and NOS activity increased predominantly ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The excessive production of NO caused by the increasing of NOS activity and the decreasing of T-AOC may be the main causes that alcohol overtaking induces germ cells apoptosis.

[Changes of morphology and erectile function of the cavernous tissues in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of morphology and erectile function of the cavernous tissues in spontaneously hypertensive rats. METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive male rats (SHR) (n = 15) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) (n = 15) were studied for 20 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly by the tail/cuff method. Erectile function was tested by injecting apomorphine (APO). The expression alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and collagen III was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: SHR showed a higher systolic blood pressure (205.7 +/- 11.9 vs 114.3 +/- 10.2 mm Hg) and a lower erection frequency (0.6 +/- 0.5 vs 2.4 +/- 0.6). The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen III in the cavernous tissues in the SHR was significantly higher than in the WKY. CONCLUSION: The erectile function of the penis is markedly affected by hypertension, and the pathological changes may be one of the most important mechanisms of decreased erectile function in SHR.

[Pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction].

In the recent few years, especially since the introduction of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, most researchers have focused their researches on biochemistry and physiology of erectile function. New progress has been made made in basic and clinic researches on pharmacotherapy for ED. In this article, the putative molecular or cellular mechanism of actions of the available centrally and peripherally acting drugs are reviewed, providing details about the current and most explosive area of drug research and development in erectile dysfunction.