069 Sonic Hedgehog Regulation of Neurite Formation in Aged Pelvic Plexus

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) protein delivered by nanoparticle based peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofiber hydrogel to the cavernous nerve and penis at the time of crush injury (prostatectomy model), is neuroprotective, accelerates CN regeneration, improves erectile function (∼60% 6wk), preserves penile smooth muscle (56%) and suppresses collagen deposition (30%). This regenerative potential is substantial in an adult prostatectomy model (P120). However prostatectomy patients are typically older (61.5 ± 9.6 years) and our models should mimic patient conditions more effectively when considering translation. In this study we examine regenerative potential in an aged prostatectomy model (P200-329). Caudal portion of the pelvic ganglia (MPG) and CN were dissected from adult (n=11), and aged (n=13) Sprague Dawley rats, and were grown in organ culture 3 days. Uninjured and 2 day CN crushed MPG/CN were exposed to Affi-Gel beads containing SHH protein, PBS (control), or 5e1 SHH inhibitor. Neurites were quantified by counting the number of growth cones normalized by tissue perimeter (mm) and immunohistochemistry for SHH, patched1 (PTCH1), smoothened (SMO), GLI1-3, and GAP43 were performed.