[Expression of Rho-kinase and heme oxygenase in the corpus cavernosum of spontaneous hypertensive rats]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2008 Mar;14(3):215-9.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the expression of Rho-kinase and heme oxygenase and the interaction among NOS/NO, HO/CO and RhoA/Rho-kinase in the corpus cavernosum of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Methods: A series of electric stimuli were applied to the corpus cavernosum nerves of 7 SHRs, the changes of ICP/MAP observed continuously and the expressions of ROCK2, HO-2 and eNOS analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Another 7 WKY rats were taken as controls.

Results: Compared with the controls, ICP/MAP did not rise obviously (P < 0.05), HO-2 dropped sharply (P = 0.006) and the expression of the ROCK2 protein was elevated markedly (P = 0.017) in the SHRs. Immunohistochemistry showed HO-2 to be distributed in the smooth muscle cells and nervous cells of the corpus cavernosum, and eNOS mainly in the vascular endothelial cells. The expressions of HO-2 and eNOS were obviously reduced in the SHRs.

Conclusion: NOS/NO, HO/CO and RhoA/Rho-kinase are related with erectile dysfunction in SHRs and may interact on one another.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Erectile Dysfunction / enzymology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / physiopathology
  • Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) / metabolism*
  • Hypertension / enzymology
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Penis / enzymology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred SHR
  • Rats, Inbred WKY
  • rho-Associated Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)
  • rho-Associated Kinases