Adipose Derived Stem Cell Engraftment Improves Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernosal Nerve Injury

Adipose-derived-stem-cells (ADSC) have shown promise in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Here we investigated the effect of ADSC engraftment in restoring erectile function (EF) following nerve injury during radical prostatectomy. Sprague-Dawley rats (4 groups; n=8/ group) underwent: 1) laparotomy (Lap) and immediate closure (Sham); 2) Lap with bilateral cavernosal nerve injury (BCNI) (Crush); 3) Lap with BCNI and intracavernosal injection (ICI) of GFP+-ADSC at surgery (INJ-1); and 4) Lap with BCNI and ICI of GFP+-ADSC twice (at surgery and after three weeks) (INJ-2). Six weeks postBCNI, EF was measured via intracorporal pressure (ICP) response following cavernosal nerve stimulation at 2.5V, 5V, and 7.5V. Penile and major pelvic ganglion (MPG) tissue were analyzed to detect GFP+-ADSC by immunohistochemistry. Data showed a significant decrease in EF in the Crush group compared to Sham at 5V and 7.5V (P<0.01). While EF was significantly improved in both INJ-1 and INJ-2 groups compared to the Crush group (5V and 7.5V; P<0.01), it was comparable between INJ-1 and INJ-2 groups at higher voltages. Interestingly, no GFP+-ADSCs were identified in both penile and MPG tissues in all four groups 6 weeks post-BCNI. These data indicate that a single intracavernosal administration of ADSCs is sufficient to improve EF following nerve injury during radical prostatectomy.