Expressão do VEGF e dos receptores Flt-1 e Flk-1 no corpo cavernoso do rato. Acção do envelhecimento e da orquidectomia

Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that both VEGF and VEGFR-1 were expressed in smooth muscle fibers, particularly in those surrounding the vascular endothelium, while endothelial expression was very low, especially in control and orchidectomized rats. VEGFR-2 expression was extended to the endothelium in all three groups: control group (2 months old), orchidectomized, and aged animals (12 and 18 months old). In aged rats, a shift resulting in VEGF and VEGFR-1 colocalization in the endothelial cell was observed. Our findings suggest an upregulation of VEGFR-1 in rat corpora cavernosa during aging, with a clear increase in expression by endothelial cells.