Systemic basic fibroblast growth factor induces favorable histological changes in the corpus cavernosum of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
Hypercholesterolemia causes erectile dysfunction that is associated with abnormalities in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. We determined the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on corporeal tissue in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.


METHODS
A total of 16 New Zealand White rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 6 weeks and were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (5 rabbits) received 2.5 microg recombinant bFGF intravenously once and again 3 weeks later. Group 2 (6 rabbits) received 2.5 microg bFGF intravenously once and placebo 3 weeks later. Group 3 (5 rabbits) received placebo intravenously each time. Rabbits were continuously fed a 1% cholesterol diet and sacrificed 3 weeks after the last treatment. Smooth muscle, endothelial cell and collagen content were assessed by immunohistochemistry and histochemical staining of corporeal tissue. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein and mRNA expression were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Corporeal smooth muscle content was greater in groups 1 and 2 (35.24% +/- 4.25% and 24.79% +/- 3.39%, p <0.01) vs group 3 (19.68% +/- 2.94%, vs groups 1 and 2 p <0.001 and <0.05, respectively). Endothelial cell and collagen content were similar among the groups. VEGF protein was increased in group 1 vs group 2 (97.90 +/- 26.00 vs 57.03 +/- 14.99 pg/ml, p <0.01) and vs group 3 (39.93 +/- 15.08, p <0.01). There was no statistical difference between groups 2 and 3. VEGF mRNA expression was similar among the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Systemic bFGF increases smooth muscle content and VEGF protein in hypercholesterolemic rabbit corporeal tissue.
Dai
Qunsheng
Q
Department of Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs and Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Silverstein
Ari D
AD
Davies
Mark G
MG
Hagen
Per-Otto
PO
Donatucci
Craig F
CF
Annex
Brian H
BH
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011817:Rabbits; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D003094:Collagen