VASCULAR-PERMEABILITY FACTOR (VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH-FACTOR) IS STRONGLY EXPRESSED IN THE NORMAL-MALE GENITAL-TRACT AND IS PRESENT IN SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITIES IN SEMEN

Purpose: Vascular permeability factor (VPF) is a potent inducer of mic rovascular hyperpermeability and stimulates endothelial cell growth an d angiogenesis. This study examines expression of VPF in the male geni tal tract. Materials and Methods: Vascular permeability factor in semi nal plasma was quantified by immunoassay. Vascular permeability factor mRNA and protein expression in tissue were studied by situ hybridizat ion and immunohistochemistry. Results: All seminal plasmas studied con tained high levels of VPF. Prostatic and seminal vesicle epithelium la beled strongly for VPF mRNA and protein. Conclusions: The strong expre ssion of VPF in prostate and seminal vesicle and the high concentratio n of VPF in semen suggest an important role for this cytokine in male fertility.