ED 12. Effect of mescenchymal derived stem cells using matrixen on the erectile function in the rat model with bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury

Objective: After administration with mescenchymal stem cells (MSCs), we cannot always obtain the expected results because of the spread-out of MSCs to the adjacent tissue. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of MSCs and MSCs mixed with Matrixen as a cell carrier which can promote the retention ability of MSCs on the erectile dysfunction by bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury.

Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, Bilateral cavernous nerve crushing group (BCNC group), BCNC administered with MSCs group (n=7,1×10⁶ in 20 μL) and BCNC administered with MSCs/Matrixen group (n=7, 1×10⁶ in 20 μL). After 4 weeks, Functional and histologic examination were done.

Results: Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) /mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratios of BCNC with MSCs and MSCs/Matrixen groups were significantly increased compared with BCNC group (P<0.05). Moreover, ICP/MAP ratios of MSCs/Matrixen group was significantly increased compared with BCNC with MSCs group (P<0.05). In MPG, the more implantation of MSCs and increased expression of nerve cells were observed in MSCs/Matrixen group under immunofluorescent staining with PKH26 and TUj1. More restoration of smooth muscle was also observed in BCNC with MSCs/Matrixen group by Masson and Trichrome's staining. Western blot analysis showed significant increase expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in BCNC with MSCs/Matrixen group.

Conclusions: MSCs/Matrixen group showed more functional and histological restoration compared with the single injection with MSCs in the rats of bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury. Therefore, we considered that the use of transplant cell carrier such as Matrixen may help the implantation of MSCs and improve the therapeutic effect of MSCs.