Introduction and objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of castration and subsequent losartan administration on the fibrosis-related parameters in the corpora cavernosa of castrated rats.
Material and methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into four equal groups. Group 1:sham surgery plus vehicle (0.9% NaCl) (control:con), group 2:sham surgery plus losartan (con+los), group 3: castration plus vehicle (castration:cast) and group 4:castration plus losartan (cast+los). After four weeks of oral losartan treatment, corporal levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), alpha-actin, beta-actin and fibronectin were investigated by ELISA kits. Changes in the collagen and smooth muscle content were evaluated by histological analysis with Masson trichrome staining.
Results: Initial and post-treatment body weights of rats were similar among groups. Castration significantly increased the expression of TGF-β, TSP-1 and fibronectin and resulted in a significant decrease in alpha-actin levels in the corpora cavernosa. Administration of losartan reduced the levels of TGF-β, TSP-1 and fibronectin in castrated rats. Alpha actin levels also increased after losartan treatment. Beta-actin levels were not significantly different among 4 groups. The levels of all markers were similar in group 1 and 2. Rate of fibrosis was significantly higher in castrated rats and treatment with losartan reduced this rate.
Conclusion: Castration increased the expression of fibrosis-related markers in the corpora cavernosa of rats. Administration of losartan significantly attenuated those changes and exerted an antifibrotic effect.
Keywords: Castración; Castration; Corporal fibrosis; Disfunción eréctil; Erectile dysfunction; Fibrosis corporal; Losartan; Losartán.
Copyright © 2018. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.