Localization and Expression of Pericytes in the Corpus Cavernosum of Castrated Rats

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the localization and expression of pericytes in the rat corpus cavernosum (CC) following testosterone deficiency induced by castration and after testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Materials and Methods: Thirty 12-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to three groups: control (n=10), castration- only (n=10), and castration groups treated with daily testosterone propionate injections (n=10). After 4 weeks, markers for endothelial cells (ECs; CD34, Flk1, and VE-cadherin), pericytes (NG2), and smooth muscle cells (smooth muscle actin) were analyzed using immunofluorescence and western blot analysis.