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Vascular permeability factor (vascular endothelial growth factor) is strongly expressed in the normal male genital
1Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Purpose:
Vascular permeability factor (VPF) is a potent inducer of microvascular hyperpermeability and stimulates endothelial cell growth and angiogenesis. This study examines expression of VPF in the male genital tract.
Materials And Methods:
Vascular permeability factor in seminal plasma was quantified by immunoassay. Vascular permeability factor mRNA and protein expression in tissue were studied by situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.
Results:
All seminal plasmas studied contained high levels of VPF. Prostatic and seminal vesicle epithelium labeled strongly for VPF mRNA and protein.
Conclusions:
The strong expression of VPF in prostate and seminal vesicle and the high concentration of VPF in semen suggest an important role for this cytokine in male fertility.