Creation of rat models of erectile dysfunction caused by diethylstilbestrol-induced prolactinoma

Objective To discuss the method of creating a rat model of erectile dysfunction caused by diethylstilbestrol(DES)-induced prolactinoma. Methods This study consisted of 45 male Wistar rats,which were randomized to control group(n=15)and experimental group(n=30).The rats in the control and experimental groups were given intraperitoneal injection of sterile peanut oil and DES,respectively,twice a week,for eight weeks.On weeks 2,4,and 8,apomorphine was subcutaneously injected to observe penile erection in rats.Five rats in the control group and 10 in the experimental group were sacrificed each time in random to detect pituitary gland,serum prolactin and free testosterone.Pathologic examination was done for pituitary gland.Results On week 8of DES injection,the penile-erection rate in the experimental group was obviously lower than the control(P=0.009).On week 2of DES injection,the serum level of PRL in the experimental group was higher than the control(F=62.862,t′=10.966,P0.05);On week 4,the serum PRL level and the weight of pituitary gland increased obviously as compared with the control group(F=195.244,t′=14.100,P0.05),On week 8,the serum PRL level and the weight of pituitary gland in the experimental group increased obviously as compared with the control(F=6 751.361,t′=17.897,P0.05),and the free testosterone level was significantly decreased versus the control(F=6.919,t′=2.659,P0.05).Under light microscope,much more pituitary gland cells were seen in the experimental group than the control group,the shape of cells was ovoid or polygons.Cytoplasmic zone widened with hyperchromatism and pleomorphism of nuclei,and neovessels could be seen. Conclusion Diethylstilbestrol can be used to successfully create prolactinoma-induced erectile dysfunction models in rats.