Author(s)

Abdelaal M. El Kamshoushi¹, Nagat Sobhy¹, Suzan F. Helal², Passainte S. Hassaan^3*, Heba Omar¹

¹Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
²Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
³Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Renin-angiotensin system with its branches Angiotensin II and Angiotensin 1-7 [Ang-(1-7)] are altered in diabetes and could affect erection. So, in this study we determine the level of Ang-(1-7), nitrite (the major nitric oxide metabolite) and histopathological changes in penile tissues of type I diabetic rats. A total of 60 male albino rats were divided into two groups: group I (control) and group II (diabetic) for either 4 weeks in group IIa, or 8 weeks in group IIb. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Penile levels of Ang-(1-7), nitrite and histopathological examination were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks after diabetes induction. Results: Ang-(1-7) and nitrite were decreased in diabetic rats at 4 weeks and continued to be lower at 8 weeks for Ang-(1-7) only. Loss of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle was present in 25% and 85% of rats at 4 and 8 weeks of diabetes respectively (P < 0.001). The loss of smooth muscle was replaced by dense fibrous tissue and was correlated positively with the reduced Ang-(1-7). Conclusion: Diabetes induced progressive decrease in the release of Ang-(1-7) and nitric oxide from the corpora cavernosa in a time-dependent manner with concomitant fibro-muscular changes that end by corporal fibrosis affecting subsequently erectile functions.

Angiotensin 1-7, Corpus Cavernosum, Erectile Dysfunction, Diabetes Mellitus, Rats

Kamshoushi, A. , Sobhy, N. , Helal, S. , Hassaan, P. and Omar, H. (2018) A Study of the Correlation between Angiotensin (1-7) and the Histopathological Changes in the Penises of Experimentally Diabetic Rats. Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, 8, 81-92. doi: 10.4236/ojemd.2018.83009.