[Molecular mechanisms of androgens regulating the eNOS expression in rat corpus cavernosum].

Objective: To investigate whether androgens can regulate the expression of eNOS in rat corpus cavernosum through AKT3, PIK3CA, CALM, and CAV1 and influence erectile function.

Methods: Thirty-six 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into groups A (4-week control), B (6-week control), C (4-week castration), D (6-week castration), E (4-week castration + testosterone replacement), and F (6-week castration + testosterone replacement). Both the testis and epididymis were removed from the rats in groups C, D, E and F, and on the second day after surgery, the animals of groups E and F were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate at 3 mg per kg of the body weight qd alt while all the others with isodose oil instead.