Upregulation of gp91phox Subunit of NAD(P)H Oxidase Contributes to Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Long-term Nitric Oxide Inhibition in Rats: Reversion by Regular Physical Training

Mário A. Claudino, Carla F. Franco-Penteado, Fernanda B.M. Priviero, Enilton A. Camargo, Simone A. Teixeira, Marcelo N. Muscará, Gilberto De Nucci, Angelina Zanesco, Edson Antunes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that glyco protein 91phox (gp91phox) subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase is a fundamental target for physical activity to ameliorate erectile dysfunction (ED). Vascular risk factors are reported to contribute to ED. Regular physical exercise prevents cardiovascular diseases by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production and/or decreasing NO inactivation. Methods: Male Wistar rats received the NO synthesis inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) for 4 weeks, after which animals were submitted to a run training program for another 4 weeks. Erectile functions were evaluated by in vitro cavernosal relaxations and intracavernous pressure measurements. Expressions of gp91phox subunit and neuronal nitric oxidase synthase in erectile tissue, as well as superoxide dismutase activity and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels were determined. Results: The in vitro acetylcholine- and electrical field stimulation-induced cavernosal relaxations, as well as the increases in intracavernous pressure were markedly reduced in sedentary rats treated with l-NAME. Run training significantly restored the impaired cavernosal relaxations. No alterations in the neuronal nitric oxidase synthase protein expression (and its variant penile neuronal nitric oxidase synthase) were detected. A reduction of NOx levels and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in l-NAME-treated animals, which was significantly reversed by physical training. Gene expression of subunit gp91phox was enhanced by approximately 2-fold in erectile tissue of l-NAME-treated rats, and that was restored to basal levels by run training. Conclusions: Our study shows that ED seen after long-term l-NAME treatment is associated with gp91phox subunit upregulation and decreased NO bioavailability. Exercise training reverses the increased oxidative stress in NO-deficient rats, ameliorating the ED.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)961-967
Number of pages7
JournalUrology
Volume75
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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