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

PURPOSE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: All seminal plasmas studied contained high levels of VPF. Prostatic and seminal vesicle epithelium labeled strongly for VPF mRNA and protein. CONCLUSIONS: 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.