ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Panax ginseng extract standardized with ginsenoside Rg3 (PGRg3) on the mating behavior of sexually active or inactive male rats treated with dopamine antagonists. Methodology: Animals were treated with PGRg3 (50,150 and 450mg/kgb.w) with or without dopamine antagonists. The penile erection, motor activity and stretching-yawning episode were evaluated in animals treated with PGRg3 alone or in combination with lisurode or SND 919. Testosterone and sperm counts were also evaluated in different treatment groups. Results: The results showed that (-) Eticlopride counteracted PGRg3-induced penile erection but not motor hyperactivity. PGRg3 treatment enhanced lisuride-induced behavioral effects. Moreover, PGRg3 plus SND 919 showed a marked stretching-yawning behavior compared to the animals received SND 919 alone. PGRg3 also succeeded to increase testosterone level and sperm count in a dose dependent fashion. Conclusion: It could be concluded that DAD2 receptors are involved in PGRg3-induced mating behavior and testicular function improvement. PGRg3 could be used to improve sexual function and mating behavior in people suffering from erectile dysfunction.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: We reviewed our experience with the use of gabapentin to treat symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia in patients who have failed conventional anticholinergic therapy. METHODS: Thirty-one patients referred to us with refractory (OAB) and/or nocturia were treated with oral gabapentin. All the patients had tried or remained on antimuscarinic drugs during treatment. Twenty-four of 31 complained of bothersome symptoms during day and night and the other seven had primary complaints of nocturia. Initial gabapentin doses ranged from 100-300 mg at bedtime. Dose was slowly titrated up to 3,000 mg based on patients' symptomatology and tolerability. RESULTS:The mean age was 51 years old (range 27-78). There were 13 men and 18 women. The median steady state dose chosen by the patient after initial titration was 600 mg/day. Fourteen of 31 patients reported subjective improvement of their frequency and 8 have been on the medication for over 12 months with persistent efficacy. For the 14 improved patients, mean frequency/24 hours decreased from 14.1 ± 2.2 to10.0 + 2.1. Three patients with primary nocturia reported improvement from a mean of 4.0 ± 1.3 to 1.0 ± 0.3 episodes/night. Six patients stopped taking the drug within one month due to side effects mostly described as drowsiness or lethargy. CONCLUSION: Fourteen of 31 patients with refractory (OAB) and nocturia improved with oral gabapentin. Gabapentin was generally well tolerated and can be considered in selective patients when conventional modalities have failed.