Korean J Fertil Steril.  2004 Dec;31(4):235-244.

The Influences of Vascular Endothlelial Growth Factor and Endothelin-1 on Speramtogenesis in Testis

• Park SW
• Park HJ
• Park NC

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The effects on spermatogenesis by expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were investigated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Testicular specimens were obtained from 40 infertile males due to primary testicular failure and from 10 fertile males with other urologic problems. The specimens of infertile males were devided into 4 groups according to histologic findings; Sertoli cell only syndrome (A), maturation arrest (B), hypospermatogenesis (C) and sloughing and disorganization (D). VEGF and ET-1 expression were detected with immunohistochemical stain.
RESULTS
VEGF expression on Leydig cell was detected in all cases. But, VEGF expression rates on germ cell were significantly higher in infertile group B, C, D compared to that of the control group (p<0.05). ET-1 expression rates on Leydig cell was significantly lower in all infertile group compared to that of the control group (p<0.05). But, ET-1 expression rates on Sertoli cell was significantly higher in all infertile group compared to that of the control group (p>0.05). In germ cell of infertile group, LH, FSH and prolactin were significantly decreased, and estradiol is increased in positive stain group on ET-1 immunohistochemical stain (p<0.05). VEGF and ET-1 expression were not correlated mean seminiferous tubule diameter (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Abnormal spermatogenesis would be reflected in VEGF expression in germ cell.

Keyword

Vascular endothelial growth factor; Endothelin-1; Spermatogenesis; Testis

MeSH Terms

Endothelin-1*
Estradiol
Germ Cells
Humans
Male
Oligospermia
Prolactin
Seminiferous Tubules
Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome
Spermatogenesis
Testis*
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Endothelin-1
Estradiol
Prolactin
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A