Objectives

To investigate the effect of icariin on endothelial microparticles (EMP), endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), platelets, and erectile function in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Materials and Methods

Twelve 8-week-old healthy male Wistar-Kyoto(WKY) rats and 12 SHR were randomly divided into four following groups: WKY control group (normal saline 1ml/d given by gavage), WKY+icariin group (icariin 10mg/kg•d dissolved in 1ml normal saline and given by gavage), SHR control group (normal saline 1ml/d given by gavage), and SHR+icariin group (icariin 10mg/kg•d dissolved in 1ml normal saline and given by gavage). Four weeks later, the maximum intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICPmax/MAP), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), endothelial microparticles (EMP), endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), and vitronectin receptor (αVβ3) were measured in each group.

Results

Under 3V/5V electrical stimulation, the ICPmax/MAP in the SHR+icariin group (0.23 ± 0.03, 0.38 ± 0.02) was significantly higher compared to the SHR control group (0.12 ± 0.02, 0.20 ± 0.02)(P<0.05). PLT, MPV, and PDW in the SHR+icariin group (1103.67 ± 107.70 10^9/L, 9.08 ± 0.50fl, 11.87 ± 0.45%) were significantly lower than those in the SHR control group (1298.00 ± 89.54 10^9/L, 9.72 ± 0.44fl, 13.03 ± 0.59%)(all P < 0.05). EMP, EPC, and αVβ3 in the SHR+icariin group (1.01 ± 0.28%, 1.53 ± 0.65%, 2.13 ± 0.53%) were significantly lower than those in the SHR control group (1.58 ± 0.19%, 2.71 ± 0.64%, 3.76 ± 0.52%)(all P < 0.05). Moreover, ICPmax/MAP was strongly negatively correlated with PDW and αVβ3 (r>0.7), and ICPmax/MAP was moderately negatively correlated with MPV, EMP, and EPC (0.5<r<0.7).

Conclusion

Icariin may improve erectile function in SHR by reducing the content of EMP in blood and inhibiting the activation of the platelets. EMP, EPC, and platelet activation-related (MPV, PDW, and αVβ3) can be used as indicators for icariin to improve erectile function in SHR.

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