Phenotypic modulation of rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB

Background: Phenotypic modulation within corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED), yet little is known regarding the effects of plateletderived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) on CCSMCs phenotype. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of PDGF-BB on phenotypic modulation of CCSMCs. Method: Cell viability was measured by the MTS assay. For cell cycle analysis, cells were stained with propidium iodide and analyzed by cytometry. Wound healing assay were performed to detect the PDGF-BB-induced CCSMCs migration. The expressions of phenotype-associated genes were determined by immunoblotting and Western blotting. Result: PDGF-BB significantly promoted the cell growth and migration capability of CCSMCs. The levels of phenotype-associated genes showed a significant change in PDGF-BB-induced CCSMCs, which was in concordance with Western blot analysis. Conclusion: These findings indicated that CCSMCs switched their phenotype from a contractile to a proliferative state in response to the stimuli of PDGF-BB.