海绵体神经移植恢复大鼠勃起功能的研究

目的　应用腓肠神经移植替代损伤的双侧海绵体神经恢复大鼠的勃起功能。方法　将 48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为 3组 :神经移植组、神经损伤组及假手术组。 2、4个月后 ,海绵体神经电刺激检测大鼠勃起功能 ,免疫组织化学法检测海绵体内nNOS阳性神经纤维。结果　 2个月后神经移植组与神经损伤组大鼠对海绵体神经电刺激均无勃起反应 ,两组海绵体内nNOS阳性神经纤维数目差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;而 4个月后神经移植组大鼠勃起功能较神经损伤组差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,海绵体内nNOS阳性神经纤维数目也显著高于神经损伤组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,与假手术组差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　腓肠神经移植替代损伤的双侧海绵体神经可恢复大鼠的勃起功能。     

腓肠神经移植重建海绵体神经保留勃起功能的实验研究

目的 :研究腓肠神经移植替代损伤的双侧海绵体神经恢复大鼠的勃起功能。　方法 :4 8只雄性SD大鼠 (3～ 4月龄和 30 0～ 4 0 0g)随机分为神经移植组、神经损伤组及假手术组 ,每组 16只。 2、4个月后 ,海绵体神经电刺激检测大鼠阴茎勃起功能 ,阴茎内注射神经逆行示踪剂荧光金 5d后检测盆神经节内被标记的神经元细胞。　结果 :2个月后神经移植组与神经损伤组大鼠对海绵体神经电刺激均无勃起反应 ,两组盆神经节内荧光金标记的神经元细胞数目差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;而 4个月后神经移植组大鼠勃起功能较神经损伤组差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,盆神经节内荧光金标记的神经元细胞数目也显著高于神经损伤组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,与假手术组差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。　结论 :腓肠神经移植替代损伤的双侧海绵体神经可恢复大鼠的勃起功能。     

生长激素对大鼠海绵体神经移植后再生的影响

目的:研究腓肠神经移植替代损伤的双侧海绵体神经(CN)后,生长激素(GH)对大鼠勃起功能恢复的影响。方法:24只雄性SD大鼠(3~4个月,300~400 g)随机均分为2组:神经移植组(腓肠神经移植替代损伤的双侧CN);GH组(神经移植后皮下注射GH)。2个月及4个月后,CN电刺激检测大鼠阴茎勃起功能,免疫组化SP法检测阴茎海绵体内神经元型一氧化氮合酶(nNOS)神经纤维并图像分析计算阳性像素值。结果:2个月后GH组有31.25%CN对电刺激有勃起反应,较神经移植组0%差异有显著性(P<0.05),nNOS阳性神经纤维的像素值在GH组为38 971±7 692,而神经移植组为16 538±3 179,差异同样具有显著性(P<0.05);而4个月后GH组有75%的CN对电刺激有勃起反应,神经移植组43.75%的CN有反应,差异无显著性(P>0.05);nNOS阳性神经纤维的像素值分别为91 348±18 965,79 276±12 021,差异亦无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:GH能促进CN移植后的再生,有利于盆腔根治性手术后勃起功能的恢复。     

雄激素与勃起功能障碍

雄激素对维持性欲是必不可少的,它通过中枢和外周两个层面,以多种机制控制着阴茎勃起的启动、维持和终结.雄激素缺乏不但导致性欲减退,还可造成阴茎的组织结构损害及勃起相关活性物质发生明显改变,如阴茎海绵体平滑肌含量减少、结缔组织增多及白膜下脂肪细胞沉积等.阴茎勃起时,海绵体组织的上述改变可致静脉闭塞不全而发生静脉漏,出现勃起功能障碍(ED).对性腺功能减退的ED患者补充睾酮可收到良好的治疗效果.睾酮替代治疗期间需密切观察,避免不良反应的发生.     

海绵体神经重建治疗前列腺癌根治术后勃起功能障碍

近年来前列腺癌发病率逐年增高且呈年轻化趋势,前列腺癌根治术中海绵体神经的损伤是造成术后勃起功能障碍的主要原因,术中进行海绵体神经重建可以恢复患者术后的自发勃起。自体腓肠神经供体重建海绵体神经在临床上取得了初步成功,腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术中进行海绵体神经重建也是切实可行的;动物实验中,各种不同的供体被用于海绵体神经的重建,其中可降解生物材料结合促神经生长因子或接种活性细胞将是一种很有前途的方法。     

干细胞治疗阴茎勃起功能障碍的研究进展

阴茎勃起功能障碍(ED)是指男性反复或者持续性的难以达到和维持充分的阴茎勃起,无法完成性交或满意性活动的病理现象。海绵体神经(CN)损伤引起的勃起神经反射中断,是患者出现ED的直接原因,此外,CN损伤后,阴茎海绵体组织平滑肌细胞和内皮细胞凋亡增加,海绵体平滑肌纤维数量减少加重了ED的发生。因此,尽早干预CN损伤的病理过程,促进CN再生是治疗CN损伤性ED的关键。近年来,干细胞在ED治疗中的应用日益成为临床研究热点。现对胚胎干细胞(ESC)、间充质干细胞(MSCs)、肌源性干细胞(MDSCs)、脂肪干细胞(ADSCs)在ED治疗中的研究综述如下。     

小肠黏膜下层移植修复海绵体神经损伤的实验研究

目的:研究小肠黏膜下层(SIS)移植替代损伤的双侧海绵体神经(CN)恢复大鼠的勃起功能。方法:制备SIS,建立动物模型,分为CN损伤组、假手术组、SIS移植组,分别给予切断双侧的CN、仅游离CN以及SIS移植修复损伤的CN。术后3个月进行阿朴吗啡试验,了解阴茎勃起情况。取中、后段阴茎海绵体组织,进行nNOS免疫组化染色,记录nNOS阳性神经纤维的数目。结果:阿朴吗啡试验:30 min内SIS移植组72.73%(8/11)的大鼠出现阴茎勃起,平均勃起(1.07±0.89)次;CN损伤组勃起率和勃起次数均为0;假手术组则为90.91%(10/11)和(2.19±1.17)次。无论是勃起率还是勃起次数,SIS移植组均显著高于CN损伤组(P<0.01),但仍然比假手术组低(P<0.05)。nNOS神经纤维数目:SIS移植组为(70.36±10.09)条,CN损伤组为(22.09±4.76)条,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),但二者均低于假手术组[(90.81±5.69)条,P<0.01]。结论:SIS作为移植物修复损伤的大鼠CN损伤,有利于恢复CN损伤所致的勃起功能障碍。     

神经延期移植修复损伤的阴茎海绵体神经恢复大鼠勃起功能

阴茎勃起功能障碍（ED）是盆腔根治性手术后常见并发症之一。随着对勃起通路的认识和显微外科技术的发展，重建勃起通路恢复患者自发勃起功能正成为可能。临床中应用自体神经一期移植修复损伤的海绵体神经（CN），可以恢复部分男性患者的勃起功能。而许多情况下，一期手术修复损伤的海绵体神经很困难，需延期修复。本研究旨在应用自体腓肠神经延期移植修复外科损伤的海绵体神经，重建大鼠勃起通路的可行性。     

骨髓间充质干细胞即刻与延时治疗修复阴茎海绵体神经损伤大鼠勃起功能的研究

目的:拟观察在双侧阴茎海绵体神经(CN)损伤的大鼠神经性勃起功能障碍(NED)模型中即刻和延时向阴茎海绵体注射骨髓间充质干细胞(BM-MSCs)对大鼠阴茎勃起功能的修复作用。方法:选取28只8周龄、体重200~250 g雄性SD大鼠随机分为4组:假手术组找到双侧海绵体神经后不做处理直接关腹并缝合皮肤;对照组、即刻治疗组和延时治疗组均通过钳夹的方式损伤双侧阴茎海绵体神经建立NED模型随后关腹缝合。假手术组和对照组向阴茎海绵体内注射对照剂,即刻治疗组注射BM-MSCs,延时治疗组术后两周注射BM-MSCs。术后12周采用电刺激CN记录阴茎海绵体内压(ICP),颈动脉穿刺测定平均动脉压(MAP),ICP/MAP作为勃起功能的评价指标来评估大鼠的勃起功能。在勃起功能检测后处死大鼠,取阴茎海绵体中段组织检测平滑肌、胶原和神经纤维。结果:在手术后12周,即刻治疗组和延时治疗组ICP和ICP/MAP均较对照组升高(P0.05)。即刻治疗组和延时治疗能提高大鼠海绵体组织内平滑肌与胶原的比例(P0.05),同时两组阴茎海绵体内平滑肌含量高于对照组(P0.05),阴茎海绵体背神经内神经微丝(NF)蛋白阳性神经纤维数目和nNOS的表达高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:阴茎海绵体内注射BM-MSCs能对双侧CN损伤大鼠的勃起功能恢复有促进作用。BM-MSCs治疗可以提高海绵体组织内平滑肌与胶原的比例,改善纤维化,并能提高海绵体组织中平滑肌含量、阴茎背神经的神经丝含量和nNOS的表达水平,术后延时治疗同样能取得一定的治疗效果。     

生殖股神经生殖支移位海绵体神经修复大鼠勃起功能的研究

目的：研究生殖股神经生殖支移位海绵体神经修复双侧海绵体神经损伤大鼠阴茎勃起功能的可行性。方法：将24只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为3组：神经移位组（双侧生殖股神经生殖支近端与海绵体神经远端行端端吻合）、神经损伤组（双侧海绵体神经离断）和假手术组,每组8只。术后1、3个月行交配试验检测大鼠勃起功能恢复情况,术后3个月电刺激海绵体神经或生殖股神经生殖支,比较各组大鼠阴茎海绵体内压（ICP）的变化。结果：术后1个月交配试验观察到神经移位组与神经损伤组有插入行为的大鼠个数无明显差异,而3个月后神经移位组观察到75％（6／8）的大鼠有交配行为,明显高于神经损伤组（P〈0．05）。电刺激神经移位组大鼠生殖股神经生殖支时,可引起ICP明显升高,与神经损伤组相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：生殖股神经生殖支移位海绵体神经可修复双侧海绵体神经损伤大鼠的勃起功能。     

Comparative study of different transplantation methods of adipose tissue-derived stem cells in the treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury

We aimed to compare intracavernosal injection (ICI), tail vein injection (IV), and periprostatic injection (PPI) of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for their ability to improve erectile function in cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction (CNIED) rats and to explore the possible mechanism. Eighty-four male SD rats were divided into the sham group (n = 6), BCNI group (bilateral CN crush injury, n = 6), PBS-ICI group (n = 6), PBS-IV group (n = 6), PBS-PPI group (n = 6), ADSC-ICI group (n = 18), ADSC-IV group (n = 18) and ADSC-PPI group (n = 18). ADSCs were labelled with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), and six rats each in the ADSC-ICI group, ADSC-IV group, and ADSC-PPI group were sacrificed 2, 7, and 28 days after injection. EdU-labelled ADSCs were tracked by immunofluorescence staining. The intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive nerve fibres in the dorsal penile nerve and the smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the cavernosum between groups were also evaluated. ADSCs can significantly improve erectile function through ICI or IV. The two are similar in efficacy and superior to PPI. The mechanism may be that after CN injury, ADSCs are recruited to around the MPG and secrete a variety of neurotrophic factors that promote the repair of the CN, thereby improving erectile function.     

显微修复损伤的阴茎海绵体神经恢复大鼠勃起功能

目的　探讨利用显微外科技术修复外科损伤的阴茎海绵体神经 ,重建大鼠勃起通道的可行性。方法　 36只SD雄性大鼠随机平均分成 3组 ,即假手术对照组、双侧阴茎海绵体神经损伤组和显微修复组 ,术后 1、3个月后用阿朴吗啡 (APO)试验来评估所建动物模型 ,随后取阴茎干组织 ,利用NADPH d组化法证实nNOS阳性神经纤维的再生情况。结果　术后 1个月 ,神经部分切断组和显微修复组间差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;术后 3个月 ,APO所诱导的阴茎勃起试验中 ,显微修复组勃起率为 83 .3 % ;神经部分切断组勃起率一直为 0 % (P <0 .0 5 )。此外 ,神经套管组的nNOS阳性神经纤维数目在术后 3个月有显著增多 ,而神经部分切断组的nNOS阳性神经纤维数目同术后 1个月相比无增多 ,两两比较有差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 0 8)。结论　双侧阴茎海绵体损伤后 ,立即用显微外科技术吻合神经 ,是重建勃起通路 ,恢复勃起功能的一种有效方法。     

Both immediate and delayed intracavernous injection of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction enhances recovery of erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury

Background

Intracavernous injection of cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) effectively restores erectile function in cavernous nerve (CN)–injured rats when administered at the time of injury. However, culturing exposes ADSCs to the risk of contamination and dedifferentiation.

Objective

Explore the effect of uncultured autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on improving erectile function in a rat model of CN injury when administered at the time of injury or 4 wk after injury.

Design, setting, and participants

Eighty-nine male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. CN injury or sham surgery was performed at the start of the study, and rats were treated with either SVF or vehicle. Functional testing and histologic analysis were performed 12 wk after CN crush or sham surgery.

Intervention

We used intracavernous injection of saline immediately after CN crush (n = 23), intracavernous injection of SVF immediately after CN crush (n = 17), intracavernous injection of SVF 4 wk after CN crush (n = 23), or sham surgery (n = 26).

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

We studied intracavernous pressure (ICP) response to CN electrostimulation and performed histologic examination of midpenile cross-sections. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey-Kramer test.

Results and limitations

Both immediate and delayed treatment with SVF resulted in a significantly increased ICP-to-mean arterial pressure ratio compared with the vehicle-treated group. Both immediate and delayed treatment with SVF significantly increased expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and neurofilament in dorsal penile nerves compared to the vehicle group. Furthermore, the smooth muscle-to-collagen ratio within the corpus cavernosum was significantly improved in both of the SVF groups compared to vehicle-treated rats. The main limitation of the study is the lack of determination of the SVF components.

Conclusions

Uncultured autologous SVF injected immediately or 4 wk after CN crush improved erectile function, promoted nerve regeneration, and prevented fibrosis of the corpus cavernosum following CN injury.     

Neuroimmunophilin ligands protect cavernous nerves after crush injury in the rat: new experimental paradigms

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of the orally bioavailable non-immunosuppressive immunophilin ligand GPI 1046 (GPI) on erectile function and cavernous nerve (CN) histology following unilateral or bilateral crush injury (UCI, BCI, respectively) of the CNs. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered GPI 15 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip) or 30 mg/kg orally (po), FK506 1 mg/kg, ip, or vehicle controls for each route of administration just prior to UCI or BCI and daily up to 7 d following injury. At day 1 or 7 of treatment, erectile function induced by CN electrical stimulation was measured, and electron microscopic analysis of the injured CN was performed. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal administration of GPI to rats with injured CN protected erectile function, in a fashion similar to the prototypic immunophilin ligand FK506, compared with vehicle-treated animals (93%+/-9% vs. 70%+/-5% vs. 45%+/-1%, p<0.01, respectively). Oral administration of GPI elicited the same level of significant protection from CN injury. GPI administered po at 30 mg/kg/d, dosing either once daily or four times daily with 7.5 mg/kg, provided nearly complete protection of erectile function. In a more severe BCI model, po administration of GPI maintained erectile function at 24 h after CN injury. Ultrastructural analysis of injured CNs indicated that GPI administered at the time of CN injury prevents degeneration of about 83% of the unmyelinated axons at 7 d after CN injury. CONCLUSIONS: The orally administered immunophilin ligand GPI neuroprotects CNs and maintains erectile function in rats under various conditions of CN crush injury.     

Emerging neuromodulatory molecules for the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury

Advances in the neurobiology of growth factors, neural development, and prevention of cell death have resulted in a heightened clinical interest for the development of protective and regenerative neuromodulatory strategies for the cavernous nerves （CNs）, as therapies for prostate cancer and other pelvic malignancies often result in neuronal damage and debilitating loss of sexual function. Nitric oxide released from the axonal end plates of these nerves within the corpora cavernosa causes relaxation of smooth muscle, initiating the haemodynamic changes of penile erection as well as contributing to maintained tumescence; the loss of CN function is primarily responsible for the development of erectile dysfunction （ED） after pelvic surgery and serves as the primary target for potential neuroprotective or regenerative strategies. Evidence from pre-clinical studies for select neuromodulatory approaches is reviewed, including neurotrophins, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors （GDNF）, bone morphogenic proteins, immunophilin ligands, erythropoetin （EPO）, and stem cells.     

Human neural crest stem cells transplanted in rat penile corpus cavernosum to repair erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of applying neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), with multipotent capacity, to repair injury in the penile cavernosum, the HNC10.K10 (K10) immortalized NCSC line was transplanted into the penile cavernosum of adult rats, as one of the causes of erectile dysfunction is damaged penile cavernous smooth muscle cells and sinus endothelial cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The K10 human NCSC line was generated via transfection of primary cultured NCSC with a retroviral vector encoding v‐myc. K10 NCSCs were transplanted into the cavernosum of adult rats. The expression of cell type‐specific markers for endothelial cells (CD31 and von Willebrand factor), and specific markers for smooth muscle cells (smooth muscle cell actin, calponin, and desmin) was determined immunohistochemically in the penile cavernosum of rats 2 weeks after transplantation.

RESULTS

In the rat cavernosum, transplanted K10 NCSCs identified by human nuclear antigen labelling expressed cell type‐specific markers for endothelial cells (CD31 and von Willebrand factor), and specific markers for smooth muscle cells (smooth muscle cell actin, calponin, and desmin) 2 weeks after transplantation. Human NCSCs transplanted into the rat penile corpus cavernosum differentiated into endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells, as shown by their expression of cell type‐specific markers for the cell types.

CONCLUSION

It appears that NCSCs are an ideal cell source for reconstructing endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum in cell therapy for patients with erectile dysfunction.     

神经营养素3基因修饰的神经干细胞对周围神经再生修复的影响

目的 探讨神经营养素3基因修饰的神经干细胞对周围神经再生的影响。方法 54只SD大鼠随机分为3组，造成坐骨神经切断损伤模型，神经外膜端端缝合，于小腿三头肌每周分别注射生理盐水、未被神经营养素3基因修饰的神经干细胞、及神经营养素3基因修饰的神经干细胞。术后3、6、9周动态观察坐骨神经功能指数(SFI)以了解后肢功能恢复情况、组织学切片观察、肌湿重恢复率测定、9周后吻合口神经干的电镜观察。结果 神经营养素3基因修饰的神经干细胞组动物的有髓神经纤维密度、神经组织面积、髓鞘厚度、肌湿重以及坐骨神经功能指数均显著优于未被神经营养素3基因修饰的神经干细胞组和生理盐水组，9周时差异有统计学意义。单纯神经干细胞组各项指标优于生理盐水组。结论 将神经营养素3基因修饰的神经干细胞移植于修复的周围神经，使局部释放的NT-3加快轴突再生速度以促进周围神经再生，减缓失神经支配肌肉的萎缩。     

Recruitment of intracavernously injected adipose-derived stem cells to the major pelvic ganglion improves erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury

Background

Intracavernous (IC) injection of stem cells has been shown to ameliorate cavernous-nerve (CN) injury-induced erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the mechanisms of action of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) remain unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the mechanism of action and fate of IC injected ADSC in a rat model of CN crush injury.

Design, setting, and participants

Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 110) were randomly divided into five groups. Thirty-five rats underwent sham surgery and IC injection of ADSC (n = 25) or vehicle (n = 10). Another 75 rats underwent bilateral CN crush injury and were treated with vehicle or ADSC injected either IC or in the dorsal penile perineural space. At 1, 3, 7 (n = 5), and 28 d (n = 10) postsurgery, penile tissues and major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were harvested for histology. ADSC were labeled with 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) before treatment. Rats in the 28-d groups were examined for erectile function prior to tissue harvest.

Measurements

IC pressure recording on CN electrostimulation, immunohistochemistry of the penis and the MPG, and number of EdU-positive (EdU+) cells in the injection site and the MPG.

Results and limitations

IC, but not perineural, injection of ADSC resulted in significantly improved erectile function. Significantly more EdU+ ADSC appeared in the MPG of animals with CN injury and IC injection of ADSC compared with those injected perineurally and those in the sham group. One day after crush injury, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was upregulated in the MPG, providing an incentive for ADSC recruitment toward the MPG. Neuroregeneration was observed in the group that underwent IC injection of ADSC, and IC ADSC treatment had beneficial effects on the smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the corpus cavernosum.

Conclusions

CN injury upregulates SDF-1 expression in the MPG and thereby attracts intracavernously injected ADSC. At the MPG, ADSC exert neuroregenerative effects on the cell bodies of injured nerves, resulting in enhanced erectile response.     

Pentoxifylline promotes recovery of erectile function in a rat model of postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction

Background

Cavernous nerve (CN) injury during radical prostatectomy (RP) causes CN degeneration and secondary penile fibrosis and smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis. Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that further inhibits multiple cytokine pathways involved in nerve degeneration, apoptosis, and fibrosis.

Objectives

To evaluate whether PTX enhances erectile function in a rat model of CN injury.

Design, Setting and Interventions

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent CN crush injury and were randomized to oral gavage feeding of phosphate-buffered saline (vehicle) or PTX 25, PTX 50, or PTX 100 mg/kg per day. Ten animals underwent sham surgery and received vehicle treatment. Treatment continued for 28 d, followed by a wash-out period of 72 h. An additional eight rats underwent resection of the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) for tissue culture and examination of direct effects of PTX on neurite sprouting.

Measurements

Intracavernous pressure recording on CN electrostimulation, immunohistologic examination of the penis and the CN distal to the injury site, and length of neurite sprouts in MPG culture.

Results

Daily oral gavage feeding of PTX resulted in significant improvement of erectile function compared to vehicle treatment in all treated groups. After treatment with PTX 50 and PTX 100 mg/kg per day, the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the dorsal penile nerve was significantly higher than in vehicle-treated rats. Furthermore, PTX treatment prevented collagen deposition and SMC loss in the corpus cavernosum. In the CN, signs of Wallerian degeneration were ameliorated by PTX treatment. MPG culture in medium containing PTX resulted in a significant increase of neurite length.

Conclusions

PTX treatment following CN injury in rats improved erectile recovery, enhanced nerve regeneration, and preserved the corpus cavernosum microarchitecture. The clinical availability of this compound merits application in penile rehabilitation studies following RP in the near future.