| Title | Endogenous Deficiency of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induces the Downregulation of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2 Expression in Raphe Nuclei of Rapid Ejaculator Rats |
| Authors | Huang, Yuanyuan Peng, Dangwei Geng, Hao Dai, Yutian Jiang, Hui Zhang, Xiansheng |
| Affiliation | Anhui Med Univ, Dept Urol, Affiliated Hosp 1, Hefei, Peoples R China Anhui Med Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1, Reprod Med Ctr, Dept Obstet & Gynecol, Hefei, Peoples R China Anhui Med Univ, NHC Key Lab Study Abnormal Gametes & Reprod Tract, Hefei, Peoples R China Anhui Med Univ, Key Lab Populat Hlth Life Cycle, Hefei, Peoples R China Nanjing Univ, Sch Med, Affiliated Drum Tower Hosp, Dept Androl, Nanjing, Peoples R China Peking Univ, Dept Androl, Hosp 3, Beijing, Peoples R China |
| Keywords | LIFELONG PREMATURE EJACULATION SEROTONERGIC PROJECTIONS CEREBRAL-CORTEX BDNF FUNCTION RECEPTORS ORGANIZATION PREVALENCE DEPRESSION PLASTICITY INCREASES |
| Issue Date | Sep-2021 |
| Publisher | JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE |
| Abstract | Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common ejaculatory disorders. Recent studies have suggested a close relationship between the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) system and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), raising the question of whether BDNF plays a role in ejaculation regulation. To our knowledge, no previous studies have explored BDNF level of the central nervous system in ejaculatory disorders. At the same time, the interaction of central BDNF and 5-HT systems has not been undertaken in ejaculation regulation field. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between BDNF and 5-HT levels in raphe nuclei which contains the serotonergic neurons in a rat animal model with different ejaculatory behavior. Methods: Eighteen male rats were selected and classified as "sluggish," "normal," and "rapid" ejaculators on the basis of ejaculation frequency during copulatory behavioral testing. BDNF and 5-HT levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-Time Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were used to measure the mRNA level of Tryptophan Hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) gene and the expression of TPH2 protein (the rate-limiting enzyme in central 5-HT synthesis) in raphe nuclei, respectively. Outcomes: Male rat sexual behavior, the levels of BDNF and 5-HT in raphe nuclei of rats with different ejaculatory behavior, the mRNA level of gene encoding TPH2 and the expression of TPH2 protein in raphe nuclei. Results: The primary finding of our study was that BDNF concentration was significantly decreased in raphe nuclei of rapid ejaculators. There was a strong positive correlation between the levels of BDNF and 5-HT (r = 0.944, P < .001). Further results showed that decreased TPH2 gene expression accompanied by TPH2 protein was shown in rapid ejaculators with lower BDNF level. Clinical Implications: With refinement of current knowledge, BDNF may eventually serve as a promising biomarker in patients with PE. Strengths & Limitations: There are no previous studies examining the interaction of the brain BDNF and 5-HT in ejaculation regulation field. The main limitation is the limited sample size. Conclusion: BDNF may act via increasing the synthesis of central 5-HT in the process of ejaculation regulation. Our results suggest lack of endogenous BDNF induces the downregulation of TPH2 gene expression and the decrease of 5-HT synthesis in raphe nuclei of rapid ejaculator rats. Copyright (C) 2021, International Society of Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
| URI | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11897/624734 |
| ISSN | 1743-6095 |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.07.009 |
| Indexed | SCI(E) |
| Appears in Collections: | 第三医院 |
