Sonic hedgehog regulation of cavernous nerve regeneration and neurite formation in aged pelvic plexus.

•SHH protein is more effective in promoting neurite formation/CN regeneration in aged rats than in the adult.•The first 48 h after CN injury are a critical window when growth factors are released, that impact later neurite formation.•SHH pathway signaling machinery remains intact in aged MPG/CN and are able to respond to exogenous SHH protein.•These studies are significant because the aged prostatectomy model will more accurately simulate ED patient response.•Understanding how neurite formation changes with age is critical for clinical translation of SHH PA to prostatectomy patients