Effect of Berberine on the mRNA Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) in Rat Corpus Cavernosum
- Author:
Yan TAN
1
;
Zhangyin MING
;
Qiang TANG
;
Zhaojian JIANG
;
Benrong HU
;
Jizhou XIANG
Author Information
1. Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- Keywords:
berberine;
nitric oxide synthase;
nitric oxide;
corpus cavernosum;
erectile dysfunction
- From:
Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Medical Sciences)
2005;25(2):127-130
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In order to further investigate the mechanisms of action of berberine (Ber), we assessed the effects of Ber on the mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in rat corpus cavernosum. After incubation with Ber for 1 or 3 h respectively, the levels of NOS mRNA were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that there were iNOS and eNOS mRNA expressions in rat corpus cavernosum. Ber enhanced eNOS mRNA expression in rat penis, but exhibited no effect on the expression of iNOS mRNA (P＞0.05). The present study indicated that the relaxation of Ber involved the NO-cGMP signal thansduction pathway. The enhancing effect of Ber on eNOS mRNA expression might associated with its relaxation of corpus cavernosum.
