Castration impairs erectile organ structure and function by inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells in rats.

摘要: The aim of this study was to determine the changes and underlying mechanisms erectile organ structure function in castrated rats. In addition, regulatory effects an androgen on autophagy apoptosis corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), especially effect BECN 1–Bcl-2 interaction, were investigated. Male Sprague–Dawley rats divided into three groups (30/group): control group, castration with testosterone supplementation group. examined both vivo vitro, by electric stimulation cavernous nerve strip bath test, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, western blotting performed levels apoptosis, structural cavernosum. Compared group showed (1) lower function: intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio, systolic diastolic capability corporal strips, reduced expressions eNOS nNOS; (2) greater fibrosis: decreased muscle/collagen expression α-SMA, higher TGF-β1; (3) inhibited autophagy: autophagosomes, BECN1 LC3-II; (4) enhanced apoptosis: apoptotic index Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Testosterone partially improved castration. Castration attenuates induces corporeal fibrosis inhibiting promoting CCSMCs Therefore, our highlights important role androgens maintaining integrity through counter-regulation mainly regulating interaction.