title: Influence of hCG on inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression in ram testicular arteries.
abstract: Background. Experimental evidence suggests a relationship between the vasodilatory effect of hCG and the NOS system in the testis. The influence of hCG administration on testicular vascular NOS gene expression has not been fully investigated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the nitric oxide syntheses gene in ram testicular arteries and the influence of hCG administration on its expression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both testicular arteries of sixteen rams were extracted before and after i.v. administration of 5000 IU of hCG or placebo. The expression of the iNOS gene was investigated by real time PCR. Data were analyzed by means of Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. A p value of &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PCR revealed the presence of iNOS mRNA in all basal samples but the expression of the iNOS gene was significantly reduced in all arteries obtained 24 h after the administration of either hCG or placebo. A significant reduction in the expression of iNOS gene was observed in the testicular arteries extracted after 24 h in both treated and placebo groups. On the other hand hCG stimulation did not significantly influence iNOS expression following its administration compared to a placebo.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ram testicular arteries express the iNOS gene but hCG stimulation did not significantly influence iNOS expression. A significant reduction in the expression of this gene was observed in the testicular arteries extracted after 24 h in both treated and placebo groups, suggesting that iNOS expression on the testicular artery could be influenced by the spermatic vessel ligation of the controlateral testis.
authors.affiliation: Operative Unit of Obstetric and Gynecology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia. maria.matteo@unifg.it.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matteo
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.forename: Ettore
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cicinelli
authors.forename: Elvira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grandone
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cardo
authors.forename: Donatella
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Colaizzo
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Minoia
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Castellana
authors.forename: Ugo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Indraccolo
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marrocchella
authors.forename: Pantaleo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Greco
authors.forename: Raffaele Luigi
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Sciorsci