Mineralocorticoid receptor expression in human penile corpus cavernosum

Tomoteru Kishimoto; Tomoya Fukawa; Kunihisa Yamaguchi; Yasuyo Yamamoto; Hiroyoshi Nakatsuji; Hirofumi Izaki; Masayuki Takahashi; Tomoharu Fukumori; Hiro-omi Kanayama

doi:10.2152/jmi.60.21

Originals

Mineralocorticoid receptor expression in human penile corpus cavernosum

Tomoteru Kishimoto, Tomoya Fukawa, Kunihisa Yamaguchi, Yasuyo Yamamoto, Hiroyoshi Nakatsuji, Hirofumi Izaki, Masayuki Takahashi, Tomoharu Fukumori, Hiro-omi Kanayama

Author information

Tomoteru Kishimoto
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Tomoya Fukawa
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Kunihisa Yamaguchi
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Yasuyo Yamamoto
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Hiroyoshi Nakatsuji
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Hirofumi Izaki
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Masayuki Takahashi
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Tomoharu Fukumori
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School
Hiro-omi Kanayama
Department of Urology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School

Keywords: 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, aldosterone, erectile dysfunction, mineralocorticoid receptor, penis

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2013 Volume 60 Issue 1.2 Pages 21-26

DOI https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.60.21

Details

Abstract

Objectives: Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is known to play physiological and pathophysiological roles in the cardiovascular system, and MR activation directly damages these organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of MR and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) in the human penile corpus cavernosum. Methods: MR and 11β-HSD2 expression was assayed in human penile tissues, and also in human renal tissues as a positive control. Expressions of MR mRNA and 11β-HSD2 mRNA were evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MR and 11β-HSD2 were visually identified using immunofluorescence analysis. Results: MR mRNA expression in human penis was confirmed by RT-PCR. On quantitative RT-PCR analysis, 11β-HSD2 mRNA expression was detected at minimal levels in penile tissue. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed positive staining for MR and negative staining for 11β-HSD2 in smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the presence of MR and the absence of 11β-HSD2 in human penile corpus cavernosum. Considering that MR activation causes various organ damages, MR blockade in human penile corpus cavernosum may have therapeutic benefits. Investigations for the penile effects of MR activation have the potential to provide new treatment approaches for erectile dysfunction. J. Med. Invest. 60: 21-26, February, 2013

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