Testosterone regulates erectile function and Vcsa1 expression in the corpora of rats.
Vcsa1 plays an important role in the erectile physiology of the rat. We conducted experiments to determine if erectile function, testosterone levels and Vcsa1 expression were correlated. In orchiectomized rats, total testosterone in blood fell from an average of 4 ng/ml to <0.04 ng/ml. Erectile function was significantly lower compared to controls and Vcsa1 expression was significantly (>6-fold) decreased. Injection of orchiectomized animals with testosterone (2 mg in 100ml sesame oil every 4 days for 2 weeks) restored average levels of testosterone to 2 ng/ml, increased erectile function and significantly increased Vcsa1 expression. In isolated corporal cells there was testosterone dependent Vcsa1 expression. However, intracorporal injection of orchiectomized animals with a plasmid expressing Vcsa1 or its gene product Sialorphin (previously demonstrated to improve erectile function in old animals) gave no significant improvement in erectile function. Also, the ability of Sialorphin to reduce tension in corporal smooth muscle strips isolated from orchiectomized animals was impaired compared to controls.
Chua
Rowena G
RG
Department of Urology and Institute of Smooth Muscle Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Calenda
Giulia
G
Zhang
Xinhua
X
Siragusa
Joseph
J
Tong
Yuehong
Y
Tar
Moses
M
Aydin
Memduh
M
DiSanto
Michael E
ME
Melman
Arnold
A
Davies
Kelvin P
KP
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009130:Muscle, Smooth; D009919:Orchiectomy; D010410:Penile Erection; D010413:Penis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics*; D051381:Rats; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000235:genetics*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*
D011498:Protein Precursors; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; C066861:Smr3b protein, rat; D013739:Testosterone