Expression and Distribution of Free Zinc in Penile Erectile Tissue

Abstract

Purpose Several studies have shown that zinc has a significant influence on erectile function. However, no studies evaluating the cellular distribution of free zinc in penile erectile tissue have been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to test whether free zinc is present in penile tissue and whether it may be involved in the electrical stimulation (ES)-induced penile erection. Materials and Methods The subjects for this study were 26 young (8-week-old) male C57BL/6J mice. After the cavernous nerve was exposed through a midline stomach incision, 14 mice received ES of the cavernous nerve (ES group), whereas 12 mice did not (control group). Intracavernous pressure (ICP) (consisting of 10 V at a duration of 1 min, frequency of 12 Hz and a pulse width of 1 m/s) was recorded during ES. Immediately after ICP was recorded, penile tissues were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis, including analysis of zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and intracellular free zinc levels. Results The expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in penile tissue was significantly greater in the ES group than in the control group (p=0.036 and 0.016, respectively). And then, ZnT3 and intracellular free zinc were present in the penile tissue of both groups. However, ZnT3 immunofluorescence in the ES group was more intense in the dorsal nerve bundle (22% increase, p=0.032). The ES group also showed higher intensity N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-para-toluenesulfonamide (TSQ) fluorescence signals indicative of intracellular free zinc level in the penile tissue compared to the control group (49% increase in dorsal nerve bundle, p=0.001; 50% increase in corpus cavernosum, p=0.001). Conclusions The results of the study supported the expression and distribution of free zinc in penile tissue and increased levels after penile erection. Therefore, this study provides anatomical evidence for the potential role of free zinc in penile erection.

The rs2682826 Polymorphism of the NOS1 Gene Is Associated with the Degree of Disability of Erectile Dysfunction

“…Its main source is enzymatic, with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS, or NOS1) being expressed in non-adrenergic non-cholinergic nerve fibers (NANC) [14], while endothelial NO synthase (eNOS, or NOS3) is expressed in endothelial cells [15]. Both enzymes play a key role in the onset and maintenance of the penile erection [16,17]. After sexual stimuli, the NANC fibers release the first production of NO, which is later complemented by other sources, namely the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the corpora cavernosa [15].…”