EXPRESSION OF TGF-beta-1 mRNA AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS IN PHARMACOLOGICALLY INDUCED PROLONGED PENILE ERECTION IN A CANINE MODEL

Abstract

Pharmacologically induced low flow prolonged penile erection in canine models is associated with histomorphological changes in relatively short periods of time, suggesting that early therapeutic intervention is desirable. The gene expression for TGF-beta1 may be a mediator of fibrosis; therefore the use of anti-TGF-beta agents presents a possible tool for therapeutic intervention.