Effect of berberine on the mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat corpus cavernosum.
In order to further investigate the mechanisms of action of berberine (Ber), we assessed the effects of Ber on the mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in rat corpus cavernosum. After incubation with Ber for 1 or 3 h respectively, the levels of NOS mRNA were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that there were iNOS and eNOS mRNA expressions in rat corpus cavernosum. Ber enhanced eNOS mRNA expression in rat penis, but exhibited no effect on the expression of iNOS mRNA (P > 0.05). The present study indicated that the relaxation of Ber involved the NO-cGMP signal transduction pathway. The enhancing effect of Ber on eNOS mRNA expression might associated with its relaxation of corpus cavernosum.
Tan
Yan
Y
Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Ming
Zhangyin
Z
Tang
Qiang
Q
Jiang
Zhaojian
Z
Hu
Benrong
B
Xiang
Jizhou
J
D000818:Animals; D001599:Berberine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology*; D010413:Penis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D001599:Berberine; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III