Ageing and orchidectomy modulate expression of VEGF receptors (Flt-1 and Flk-1) on corpus cavernosum of the rat

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

D Neves (Author) FMUP; J Santos (Author) Other; N Tomada (Author) Other; H Almeida (Author) FMUP; P Vendeira (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Vol. 1067

Pages: 164-172

ISSN: 0077-8923

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Health sciences > Medical sciences > Medicine > Andrology

Other information

Abstract (EN): Ageing and hypogonadic states are known risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) contributing together to vascular damage of penile tissue. In the present study, VEGF specific membrane receptors (VEGFR-1/Flt-1 and VEGFR-2/Flk-1) expression was studied through confocal immunofluorescence in the corpus cavernosum of control, aged (12 and 18 months) and orchidectomized Wistar rats (90 days of bilateral orchidectomy). Immunocytochemical results demonstrated VEGFR-2 expression restricted to the endothelium both in control and orchidectomized rats. Aged animals (12 and 18 month) presented enlarged vessels with intense VEGFR-2 endothelial staining. On the other hand, VEGFR-1 was demonstrated in smooth muscle fibers, particularly in those that surround vessel endothelium, being the endothelial expression very low in control and orchidectomized rats. However, in aged rats (12 and 18 month old), a shift resulting in a VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 co-localization in the endothelial cell was observed. The findings suggest an up-regulation of VEGFR-1 in rat´s corpora cavernosa during ageing, being clear an increased expression by endothelial cells.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific