[Impact of aging on the secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells of rats in vitro].

Objective: To observe the secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) in rats of different ages and explore the possible relationship of IGF-1 with aging-related erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods: We primarily cultured CCSMCs of rats aged 4, 12 and 24 months, and identified them by immunohistochemistry. We quantitatively cultured the CCSMCs in 6-well culture plates, determined the levels of IGF-1 secreted from the CCSMCs by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and analyzed the effect of age on the IGF-1 level.

Improvement in erectile dysfunction after insulin-like growth factor-1 gene therapy in diabetic rats.

Aim: To determine whether adenoviral gene transfer of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to the penis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats could improve erectile capacity.

Methods: THE STZ diabetic rats were transfected with AdCMV-betagal or AdCMV-IGF-1. These rats underwent cavernous nerve stimulation to assess erectile function and their responses were compared with those of age-matched control rats 1 to 2 days after transfection.