Objective: To assess transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression in the cavernous tissue of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.
Materials and methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: diabetics and controls. We injected STZ intraperitoneally to induce diabetes, and studied the alterations in TGF-beta1 and TSP-1 expression in the cavernous tissue of the 2 groups by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. HE staining was also applied to determine morphological changes. Weight, blood sugar and urine sugar were measured before and after model induction in both groups.
Results: Expression of TGF-beta1 and TSP-1 increased significantly in the cavernous tissue of the diabetic rats compared to the control group.
Conclusions: TGF-beta1 and TSP-1 expression changes in cavernous tissues may play an important role in diabetic erectile dysfunction.
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