Introduction

Neurovascular injury induced erectile dysfunction is a common complication in complex pelvic trauma in men. This lesion remains difficult to treat despite advances in pharmacotherapeutic approaches. The goal of this study is to determine whether stem cells implanted into the corpora cavernosa could improve erectile function and restore histomorphological structure in a rat model of neurovascular erectile dysfunction (NVED).

Methods

NVED model was established in athymic rats by crushing bilateral cavernous nerves and ligations of bilateral internal pudendal bundles. Three different types of human stem cells were used: endothelial cells (ECs), adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) and amniotic fluid derived stem cells (AFSCs). Normal saline injection served as a control. Stem cells (2.5x10⁶ cells/0.2 ml) were injected intracavernously into the penile tissue. Erectile function and histomorphological analyses of penile tissue were assessed 12 weeks after stem cell injection.

Results

The ratio of intracavernous pressure and mean artery pressure (functional indicator) was increased in the stem cell and endothelial cell therapy groups when compared to the NS injection group. Immunofluorescence staining showed that more cells expressing biomarkers of endothelial, smooth muscle, and nerve cells within the corpora cavernosa was seen in the cell therapy groups when compared to the NS injection group.

Conclusions

Stem cell therapy enhanced erectile function and ameliorated the histological structure in NVED rats, indicating that stem cell therapy may induce vascular, myogenic and neurogenic tissue regeneration in a rat model of NVED.

Funding

AFIRM