Original Papers - Andrology
Vol. 86 No. 3 (2014)
https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2014.3.183

Influence of hCG on inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression in ram testicular arteries

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Received: 10 October 2014
Published: 30 September 2014
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iNOS gene, Testicular artery, hCG, Ram, Intratesticular blood flow

Authors

Maria Matteo
maria.matteo@unifg.it
Operative Unit of Obstetric and Gynecology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
Annalisa Rizzo
Department of Animal Production, University of Bari, Italy.
Ettore Cicinelli
3rd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), University of Bari, Italy.
Elvira Grandone
Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis Unit, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, S. Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
Giuseppe Cardo
Operative Unit of Urology “S. Giacomo” Hospital, Monopoli, Italy.
Donatella Colaizzo
Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis Unit, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, S. Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
Giuseppe Minoia
Department of Animal Production, University of Bari, Italy.
Laura Castellana
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
Ugo Indraccolo
Operative Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Civitanova Marche - Area Vasta 3, Marche, Italy.
Sonia Marrocchella
Operative Unit of Obstetric and Gynecology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
Pantaleo Greco
Operative Unit of Obstetric and Gynecology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
Raffaele Luigi Sciorsci
Department of Animal Production, University of Bari, Italy.
Background. Experimental evidence suggests a relationship between the vasodilatory effect of hCG and the NOS system in the testis. The influence of hCG administration on testicular vascular NOS gene expression has not been fully investigated. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the nitric oxide syntheses gene in ram testicular arteries and the influence of hCG administration on its expression. Materials and methods: Both testicular arteries of sixteen rams were extracted before and after i.v. administration of 5000 IU of hCG or placebo. The expression of the iNOS gene was investigated by real time PCR. Data were analyzed by means of Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: PCR revealed the presence of iNOS mRNA in all basal samples but the expression of the iNOS gene was significantly reduced in all arteries obtained 24 h after the administration of either hCG or placebo. A significant reduction in the expression of iNOS gene was observed in the testicular arteries extracted after 24 h in both treated and placebo groups. On the other hand hCG stimulation did not significantly influence iNOS expression following its administration compared to a placebo. Conclusion: Ram testicular arteries express the iNOS gene but hCG stimulation did not significantly influence iNOS expression. A significant reduction in the expression of this gene was observed in the testicular arteries extracted after 24 h in both treated and placebo groups, suggesting that iNOS expression on the testicular artery could be influenced by the spermatic vessel ligation of the controlateral testis.

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Influence of hCG on inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression in ram testicular arteries. (2014). Archivio Italiano Di Urologia E Andrologia, 86(3), 183-187. https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2014.3.183

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