A Study of the Early Changes of the Level of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Histopathology of Penises of Rats with Experimentally Induced Type I Diabetes Mellitus by Streptozocin

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multiorgan disease that leads to neurovascular complications that disturb the normal erectile function. Aim. The aim of the current work was to study the early changes occurring in the level of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and histopathological changes in penile tissues of uncontrolled diabetic rats. Materials and Methods. This study was carried on 50 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into two main groups: group I (control, n = 10) and group II (diabetic, n = 40). Type I DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). The tissue level of CGRP and histopathological examination of rat penises were assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after induction of DM. Results. CGRP was higher in the diabetic group at 4, 6, and 8 weeks than in the control group. However, endothelial changes and decreased smooth muscles mass started only 2 weeks after induction of DM. Conclusion. Deterioration of histopathological features of the uncontrolled diabetic rats corporeal tissues is time dependent. Furthermore, vascular changes seem to precede the neurological changes.