The effect of phosphodiesterase isoenzyme 5 inhibitors on ureteropelvic junction obstruction in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of phosphodiesterase isoenzyme 5 (PDE5) inhibitors upon ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in rabbits.


METHODS
Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated animals (group A; right-sided operations comprised subgroup A1 and left-sided operations comprised subgroup A2), operated animals (group B) and operated animals that received vardenafil (group C). The right-sided junctions of group A (A1) were not exposed, and therefore made up the control group. The UPJO model was established by partial obstruction of the left junction. Intravenous pyelograms were performed before and after the operation. HE staining and microscopic examinations were performed to chart the pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry (streptavidin peroxidase) was used to test the expression of TGF-beta1 and nNOS in the junctions. RT-PCR detected mRNA expression of TGF-beta1.


RESULTS
We observed serious hydronephrosis in group B and moderate hydronephrosis in group C, but not in group A. We also observed large pathological changes in group B, but little change in group C and no change in subgroups A1 and A2. The level of TGF-beta1 in group B was significantly higher than in groups A and C; group C expressed more TGF-beta1 than group A. More nNOS was detected in group C than group B, although the two groups both expressed nNOS at lower levels than group A.


CONCLUSIONS
More TGF-beta1 and less nNOS are expressed when the junction is obstructed. PDE5 inhibitors may be able to regulate these 2 factors, or other factors that have not been discussed in this experiment, in order to halt the progression of UPJO.
Wang
Hong Gen
HG
Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, PR China.
Yan
Xing Yu
XY
Cai
You Mei
YM
Wang
Hong Geng
HG
Chen
Jun Yi
JY
D000818:Animals; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007527:Isoenzymes; D007682:Kidney Pelvis; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D013450:Sulfones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014227:Triazines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
D007093:Imidazoles; D007527:Isoenzymes; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride