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 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.