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

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.