Morphological and molecular analysis of apoptosis in the corpus cavernosum of rats submitted to a chronic alcoholism model

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of chronic alcoholism on morphometry and apoptosis mechanism and correlate with miRNA-21 expression in the corpus cavernosum of rats. Methods Twenty-four rats were divided into two experimental groups: Control (C) and Alcoholic group (A). After two weeks of an adaptive phase, rats from group A received only ethanol solution (20%) during 7 weeks. The morphometric and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry analysis were performed in the corpus cavernosum. The miRNA-21 expression was analyzed in blood and cavernous tissue. Results Chronic ethanol consumption decreased cavernosal smooth muscle area of alcoholic rats. The protein expression of caspase 3 in the corpus cavernosum was higher in A compared to the C group. There was no difference in the expression of miRNA-21 in serum and cavernous tissue between the groups. Conclusion Chronic ethanol consumption reduced smooth muscle area and increased caspase 3 in the corpus cavernosum of rats, without altered serum and cavernosal miR-21 gene expression.

Evaluation of relaxant responses properties of cinnamon essential oil and its major component, cinnamaldehyde on human and rat corpus cavernosum

ABSTRACT Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) is a well-known traditional medicine with therapeutic benefits for centuries. We evaluated the effects of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and its main component cinnamaldehyde (CA) on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and rat CC. The essential oil of cinnamon was analyzed for the confirmation of the oil profile. HCC specimens from patients undergoing penile prosthesis surgery (age 48-69 years) were utilized for functional studies. In addition, erectile responses in anesthetized control and diabetic rats were evaluated in vivo after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA, and rat CC strips were placed in organ baths. After precontraction with phenylephrine (10µM), relaxant responses to CEO and CA were investigated. CA (96.9%) was found as the major component. The maximum relaxation responses to CEO and CA were 96.4±3.5% and 96.0±5.0% in HCC and 97.5±5.5% and 96.8±4.8% in rat CC, respectively. There was no difference between control and diabetic rats in relaxation responses to CEO and CA. The relaxant responses obtained with essential oil and CA were not attenuated in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (sGS) in CC. In vivo, erectile responses in diabetic rats were lower than in control rats, which was restored after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA. CEO and CA improved erectile function and relaxation of isolated strips of rat CC and HCC by a NO/cGMP-independent mechanism. Further investigations are warranted to fully elucidate the restorative effects of CEO and CA on diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Effects of tadalafil to prevent injury on corpus cavernosum after vascular or nervous peri-prostatic bundle injury. Experimental model in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of tadalafil (TD) in preventing histological alterations of the corpus cavernosum caused by isolated lesions of cavernous nerve (ILCN) and artery (ILCA) in rats. Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in five groups: G1: control; G2: bilateral ILCN; G3: bilateral ILCA; G4: ILCN+TD; G5: ILCA+TD. The cavernous bodies were submitted to histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis. Results: Nerve density was significantly higher in G2 and G4 compared to control (22.62±2.84 and 19.53±3.47 vs. 15.72±1.82; respectively, p<0.05). Smooth muscle density was significantly lower in G2 and G3 in comparison to G1 (12.87±1.90 and 18.93±1.51 vs. 21.78±1.81, respectively; p<0.05). A significant decrease in the sinusoidal lumen area was observed in G2 compared to controls (5.01±1.62 vs. 9.88±3.66, respectively; p<0.05) and the blood vessel density was increased in G2 and G3 (29.32±4.13 e 20.80±2.47 vs. 10.13±2.71, p<0.05). Collagen density was higher in G3 compared to G1 (93.76±15.81 vs. 64.59±19.25; p<0.05). Conclusions: Histomorphometric alterations caused by ILCN were more intense than those produced by vascular injury, but the collagen analyses showed more fibrosis in animals with ILCA. TD was effective in preventing the majority of the alterations induced by the periprostatic bundle injury.

Penile microvascular endothelial function in hypertensive patients: effects of acute type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibition

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate penile endothelial microvascular function in patients with primary arterial hypertension and age-matched normotensive subjects using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). Additionally, we analyzed the acute penile microvascular effects induced by oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (sildenafil; SIL) administration. Endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity was evaluated in the penises and forearms of hypertensive patients (aged 58.8±6.6 years, n=34) and age-matched healthy volunteers (n=33) at rest and 60 min following oral SIL (100 mg) administration. LSCI was coupled with cutaneous acetylcholine (ACh) iontophoresis using increasing anodal currents. Basal penile cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) values were not significantly different between control subjects and hypertensive individuals. Penile CVC values increased significantly after SIL administration in control (P<0.0001) and hypertensive (P<0.0001) subjects. Peak CVC values were not different between the two groups during penile ACh iontophoresis before SIL administration (P=0.2052). Peak CVC values were higher in control subjects than in hypertensive subjects after SIL administration (P=0.0427). Penile endothelium-dependent microvascular function is, to some extent, preserved in patients presenting with primary arterial hypertension under effective anti-hypertensive treatment. LSCI may be a valuable non-invasive tool for the evaluation of penile vascular responses to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.

Dipyridamole reduces penile apoptosis in a rat model of post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction

ABSTRACT Purpose: Despite the nerve-sparing technique, many patients suffer from erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy (RP) due to cavernous nerve injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate dipyridamole as a potential treatment agent of post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction. Material and methods: A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three experimental Groups (SHAM+DMSO, BCNI+DMSO and BCNI+DIP). An animal model of bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI) was established to mimic the partial nerve damage during nerve-sparing RP. After creating of BCNI, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) was administered transperitoneally as a vehicle to SHAM+DMSO and BCNI+DMSO Groups. BCNI+DIP Group received dipyiridamole (10mg/kg/day) as a solution in DMSO for 15 days. Afterwards, rats were evaluated for in vivo erectile response to cavernous nerve stimulation. Penile tissues were also analyzed biochemically for transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) level. Penile corporal apoptosis was determined by TUNEL method. Results: Erectile response was decreased in rats with BCNI and there was no significant improvement with dipyridamole treatment. TGF-β1 levels were increased in rats with BCNI and decreased with dipyridamole treatment. Dipyridamole led to reduced penile apoptosis in rats with BCNI and there was no significant difference when compared to sham operated rats. Conclusions: Although fifteen-day dipyridamole treatment has failed to improve erectile function in rats with BCNI, the decline in both TGF-β1 levels and apoptotic indices with treatment may be helpful in protecting penile morphology after cavernous nerve injury.

Effects of transgenic soybean and organic soybean on rat penis morphology during the aging process / Efectos de los frijoles de soja transgénica y de soja orgánica en la morfología del pene de rata durante el proceso de envejecimiento

The contents of soybean can modify the structure of the reproductive system, especially, when consumed for prolonged periods. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the consumption of transgenic soybean on rat penis morphology after prolonged use. Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into three groups according to diet: Transgenic Soybean (TS) group, Organic Soybean (OS) group and Control (C) group. After 455 days of intake, the rats were sacrificed and the penises were excised and fixed in formalin for subsequent histological processing. The samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin stain, and picrosirius red with polarization. The images were scanned for the histomorphometric analyses of the corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, erectile tissue, and tunica albuginea as well as the measurement of the thickness of the tunica albuginea. The diameter and areas of the penile arteries with the intima and media tunica were also measured. The elastic fibers of the tunica albuginea, corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum were quantified using stereological methods. No significant differences were observed in the collagen and elastic components among the groups. We concluded that no statistically significant differences were found among the groups, demonstrating that the prolonged consumption of OS and TS does not affect the penile structure.

El contenido de frijoles de soja puede modificar la estructura del sistema reproductivo, especialmente, cuando se consume durante períodos prolongados. En este estudio, se evaluaron los efectos del consumo de frijoles de soja transgénica en la morfología del pene de rata después de un uso prolongado. Las ratas Wistar (n = 30) se dividieron en tres grupos según la dieta: grupo de frijoles de soja transgénica (TS), grupo de frijoles de soja orgánica (OS) y grupo control (C). Después de 455 días de ingesta, se sacrificaron las ratas y se extirparon los penes y se fijaron en formalina para posterior procesamiento histológico. Las muestras se tiñeron con hematoxilina y eosina, tinción de resorcina-fucsina de Weigert y rojo de picrosirius con polarización. Las imágenes fueron escaneadas para análisis histomorfométrico de los cuerpos cavernosos, cuerpo esponjoso, tejido eréctil y túnica albugínea, así como para la medición del espesor de la túnica albugínea. También se midieron el diámetro y las áreas de las arterias penianas con las túnicas íntima y media. Se cuantificaron las fibras elásticas de la túnica albugínea, cuerpos cavernosos y cuerpos esponjosos utilizando métodos estereológicos. No se observaron diferencias significativas en los componentes colágenos y elásticos entre los grupos. Se concluyó que no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos, lo que demuestra que el consumo prolongado de OS y TS no afecta a la estructura del pene.

Improvement of erectile dysfunction by the active pepide from urechis unicinctus by high temperature/pressure and ultra - wave assisted lysis in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Introduction: We investigate the effect of active peptide from Urechis unicinctus (UU) by high temperature/pressure and ultra-wave assisted lysis on erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Forty 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50mg/kg). One week later, the diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, untreated diabetes control, and groups treated with 100 or 500mg/kg/d UU peptide. Rats were fed with UU peptide by intragastric administration for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, penile hemodynamic function was evaluated in all groups by measuring the intracavernosal pressure after electrostimulating the cavernous nerve. Nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) activities were measured and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) protein expression was determined by Western blot. Results: Maximum intracavernosal pressure in diabetic control rats decreased significantly compared to normal control rats, and was increased significantly compared to untreated diabetic rats after UU peptide supplementation. Treatment with the higher dose of UU peptide significantly increased the NO and cGMP levels compared with the diabetic control group. Decreased activity and expression eNOS and nNOS were found in the diabetic rats compared with the normal control group. Decreased eNOS and nNOS in diabetic rats were improved by UU peptide administration. Conclusions: Active peptide from UU ameliorates erectile function in a streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model of erectile dysfunction.

Short hairpin RNA targeting insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 restores the bioavailability of insulin-like growth factor-1 in diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate whether intracavernosal injection of short hairpin RNA for IGFBP-3 could improve erectile function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods After 12 weeks of IGFBP-3 short hairpin RNA injection treatment, intracavernous pressure responses to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves were evaluated. The expression of IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 at mRNA and protein levels were detected by quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blot, respectively. The concentration of cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results At 12 weeks after intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA, the cavernosal pressure was significantly increased in response to the cavernous nerves stimulation compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05). Cavernous IGFBP-3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels was significantly inhibited. At the same time, cavernous IGF-1 expression was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic group (P<0.01). Cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic group (P<0.01). Conclusions Gene transfer of IGFBP-3 shRNA could improve erectile function via the restoration of cavernous IGF-1 bioavailability and an increase of cavernous cGMP concentration in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Morphometric study of the corpus cavernosum after anabolic androgenic steroid administration in pubertal and adult rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the penile morphological modifications of pubertal and adult rats chronically treated with supra-physiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: two control groups, 105- and 65-day-old (C105 and C65, respectively) injected with peanut oil (vehicle); and two treated groups, 105- and 65-day-old (T105 and T65, respectively) injected with nandrolone decanoate at a dose of 10 mg Kg-1 of body weight. The rats were injected once a week for eight weeks. The rats were then killed and their penises were processed for histomorphometric analyses. The mean of each parameter was statistically compared. RESULTS: A corpus cavernosum reduction of 12.5% and 10.9% was observed in the T105 and T65 groups, respectively, when compared with their respective control groups. The cavernosum smooth muscle surface density diminished by 5.6% and 12.9% in the T65 and T105 groups, respectively, when compared with their controls. In contrast, the sinusoidal space increased by 17% in the T105 group and decreased by 9.6% in the T65 group. CONCLUSION: The use of supra-physiological doses of AAS promotes structural changes in the rat penis, by altering the proportions of corpus cavernosum tissues, in both pubertal and adult treated animals. .

Pharmacological characterization of the relaxant effect induced by adrenomedullin in rat cavernosal smooth muscle

The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanisms underlying the relaxant effect of adrenomedullin (AM) in rat cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) and the expression of AM system components in this tissue. Functional assays using standard muscle bath procedures were performed in CSM isolated from male Wistar rats. Protein and mRNA levels of pre-pro-AM, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), and Subtypes 1, 2 and 3 of the receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) family were assessed by Western immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Nitrate and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α; a stable product of prostacyclin) levels were determined using commercially available kits. Protein and mRNA of AM, CRLR, and RAMP 1, -2, and -3 were detected in rat CSM. Immunohistochemical assays demonstrated that AM and CRLR were expressed in rat CSM. AM relaxed CSM strips in a concentration-dependent manner. AM22-52, a selective antagonist for AM receptors, reduced the relaxation induced by AM. Conversely, CGRP8-37, a selective antagonist for calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors, did not affect AM-induced relaxation. Preincubation of CSM strips with NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, quanylyl cyclase inhibitor), Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS (cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor), SC560 [5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl pyrazole, selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor], and 4-aminopyridine (voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker) reduced AM-induced relaxation. On the other hand, 7-nitroindazole (selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), wortmannin (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor), H89 (protein kinase A inhibitor), SQ22536 [9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine, adenylate cyclase inhibitor], glibenclamide (selective blocker of ATP-sensitive K+ channels), and apamin (Ca2+-activated channel blocker) did not affect AM-induced relaxation. AM increased nitrate levels and 6-keto-PGF1α in rat CSM. The major new contribution of this research is that it demonstrated expression of AM and its receptor in rat CSM. Moreover, we provided evidence that AM-induced relaxation in this tissue is mediated by AM receptors by a mechanism that involves the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, a vasodilator prostanoid, and the opening of voltage-dependent K+ channels.

Penile enlargement with methacrylate injection: is it safe? / Aumento peniano com injeção de metacrilato: isto é seguro?

Penis size is a great concern for men in many cultures. Despite the great variety of methods for penile augmentation, none has gained unanimous acceptance among experts in the field. However, in this era of minimally invasive procedure, injection therapy for penile augmentation has become more popular. Here we report a case of methacrylate injection in the penis that evolved with penile deformity and sexual dysfunction. This work also reviews the investigation and management of this pathological condition.

A 36-year-old male sought medical care with a complaint of penile deformity and sexual dysfunction after methacrylate injection. The treatment administered was surgical removal. Satisfactory cosmetic and functional results were reached after two months.

There is a need for better structured scientific research to evaluate the outcomes and complication rates from all penile augmentation procedures. .

O tamanho peniano é uma grande preocupação para homens em diversas culturas. Apesar da grande variedade de possíveis métodos para o aumento peniano, nenhum ganhou aceitação unânime por especialistas no assunto. Mas na era dos procedimentos minimamente invasivos, a terapia de injeção para aumento peniano tem se tornado mais popular. Aqui relatamos um caso de injeção de metacrilato no pênis que evoluiu com deformidade peniana e disfunção sexual. Este trabalho também revisa a investigação e gerenciamento desta afecção.

Um homem de 36 anos procurou atendimento médico com queixa de deformidade peniana e disfunção sexual após injeção de metacrilato. Remoção cirúrgica foi realizada como tratamento. Após dois meses, satisfatórios resultados cosmético e funcional foram alcançados.

Trabalhos científicos mais bem estruturados para avaliar as taxas de complicação e resultados de todos os procedimentos para aumento peniano são necessários. .

Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Associated to Matrixen on the Erectile Function in the Rat Model with Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Crushing Injury

To evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSCs mixed with Matrixen as a cell carrier on the erectile dysfunction caused by bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury.

White male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated control group (n = 5), bilateral cavernous nerve crushing group (BCNC group, n = 10), BCNC administered with MSCs group (n = 10,1×106 in 20 µL), BCNC administered with Matrixen group (n = 10.1×106 in 20 µL), BCNC administered with MSCs/Matrixen group (n = 10.1×106 in 20 µL). After functional assessment at 4 weeks, major pelvic ganglion (MPG) and penile tissue were collected. Immunofluorescent staining of MPG was performed with PKH26 and Tuj1. Western blot analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were done in corpus cavernosum.

ICP/MAP ratios of BCNC with MSCs and MSCs/Matrixen groups were significantly increased compared with BCNC and BCNC with Matrixen group. Moreover, ICP/MAP ratios of MSCs/Matrixen group were significantly increased compared with BCNC with MSCs group. In MPG, the more implantation of MSCs and increased expression of nerve cells were observed in MSCs/Matrixen group compared with BCNC with MSCs group. Significant increase expression of eNOS and nNOS was also noted in BCNC with MSCs/Matrixen group.

The erectile function was more preserved in MSCs/Matrixen group compared with the administration of MSCs alone in the rats with bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury. Therefore, we consider that the use of transplant cell carrier such as Matrixen may help the implantation of MSCs and improve the therapeutic effect of MSCs. .

Tadalafil rehabilitation therapy preserves penile size after bilateral nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change in penile size r bilateral nerve sparing retropubic radical prostatectomy (BNSRRP) and possible effect of Tadalafil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 patients underwent BNSRRP and they were evaluated prospectively for a whole year of follow-up . The patients were randomized to control without rehabilitation (Group 1) or Tadalafil rehabilitation group (Group 2). The patients were evaluated at months 3, 6 and 12 postoperatively for erectile function, penile measurements (flaccid penile length, penile length at maximum erection, penile circumference at flaccid status, and penile circumference at maximum erection), penile abnormalities and general health status. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-Square test and significance was defined as p value < 0.05. RESULTS: In Group 1 there was significant decrease in penile measurements at month 3 compared to preoperative measurements. There was decrease in all parameters at month 6 compared to month 3 but only the decrease in penile length at maximum erection was significant. There were no significant differences between postoperative months 6 and 12 for all measurements. In Group 2 there was a tendency to decrease in all measurements at month 3 compared to baseline. There was no significant difference for penile measurements between postoperative 3rd and 6th months and between 6th month and the first year. CONCLUSION: Although further large sampled trials are needed to describe the possible positive effect of tadalafil or other PDE5-I's on penile size after BNSRRP, tadalafil rehabilitation is effective in preserving penile size especially in the early postoperative period after BNSRRP.

Relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and aortic vascular endothelium induced by new nitric oxide donor substances of the nitrosyl-ruthenium complex

INTRODUCTION: Endothelial dysfunction characterized by endogenous nitric oxide (NO) deficiency made 56 percent of patients affected with erectile dysfunction decline treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors. New forms of treatment are currently being developed for this group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study compared the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and two substances of the nitrosyl-ruthenium complex, cis-[Ru(bpy)2(SO3)(NO)]PF-6-9 ("FONO1”) and trans-[Ru(NH3)4(caffeine)(NO)]C13 ("LLNO1”) on relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and aortic vascular endothelium. The samples were immersed in isolated baths and precontracted with 0.1 µM phenylephrine (PE) and the corresponding relaxation concentration/response curves were plotted. In order to investigate the relaxation mechanisms involved, 100 µM ODQ (a soluble guanylate cyclase-specific inhibitor), 3 µM or 10 µM oxyhemoglobin (an extracellular NO scavenger) or 1 mM L-cysteine (a nitrosyl anion-specific scavenger) was added to the samples. RESULTS: All the NO donors tested produced a significant level of relaxation in the vascular endothelium. In corpus cavernosum samples, FONO1 produced no significant effect, but LLNO1 and SNP induced dose-dependent relaxation with comparable potency (pEC50 = 6.14 ± 0.08 and 6.4 ± 0.14, respectively) and maximum effect (Emax = 82 percent vs. 100 percent, respectively). All NO donors were found to activate soluble guanylate cyclase, since the addition of the corresponding inhibitor (100 µM ODQ) completely neutralized the relaxation effect observed. The addition of oxyhemoglobin reduced the relaxation effect, but did not inhibit it completely. In aortic vascular endothelium 3 µM oxyhemoglobin decreased the relaxation effect by 26 percent on the average, while 10 µM oxyhemoglobin reduced it by over 52 percent. The addition of 100 µM L-cysteine produced no significant inhibiting effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LLNO1...

Effect of sildenafil citrate [viagra] on penile vasculature and cardiodynamics in diabetic males with and without neuropathy

Erectile and cardiovascular dysfunctions in diabetes are important signs resulting probably due to pelvic autonomic neuropathy with damage to the parasympathetic nerviergnetes. Direct evidence for a neuropathic etiology comes from studies that show structural changes in autonomic nerve fibers supplying the corpora cavernosa. The present study deals with the diabetic neuopathies prevailing in men and the possible role of sildenafil citrate [Viagra] treatment for these neurogenic cardio-sexual disturbances. Penile mid shaft circumference and length, penile pulse amplitude, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and heart rate were measured in response to erotic stimulation by film and fantasy and the effect of the treatment of sildenafil citrate [50 mg oral dose] was noted in 50 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] and in 50 non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] patients with and without an objective evidence of neuropathy, having an age span in between 20 and 65 years and a duration of diabetes distributed over 1-25 years with their age matched non diabetic controls. Sildenafil treatment showed a significant increase [P<0.0005] in penile mid shaft circumference and length, and penile pulse amplitude, where as both systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate exhibited a significant decrease [P<0.025 and P<0.005 respectively] in both IDDM and NIDDM diabetic neuropathic patients. However this difference was found to be non-significant in both types of diabetic patients without neuropathy and when compared with their respective control subjects. Oral administration of sildenafil citrate is an effective first line therapy for erectile dysfunctions in diabetic impotent men with neuropathic etiology [irrespective of their type of diabetes] with out much altering the cardiodynamic profile. These results further explain how to manage sexual disorders as part of diabetic care, and suggest rules for sildenafil prescription in diabetic neuropathic patients

Effects of ligustrazine on the contraction of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum strips / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To investigate the role of ligustrazine on relaxation of the isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue in vitro, the effects of ligustrazine on the corpus cavernosum were observed by using experimental method of smooth muscle strips. Concentration-responses to phenylephine (PE) and KCl were recorded. The results showed that ligustrazine concentration-dependently depressed the contraction response of smooth muscle strips induced by PE. The maximum percentage relaxation of cavernosal strips by ligustrazine was 74.1% +/- 6.2% (compared with control: 21.9% +/- 5.6%, P < 0.01). Ligustrazine concentration-dependently reduced the amplitude of the contraction induced by cumulative doses of PE or KCl, shifted the cumulative concentration response curves of PE and KCI to the right and depressed their maximal responses. It was concluded that ligustrazine could significantly relax the cavernosal muscle contraction induced by PE in vitro. The results suggested that ligustrazine inhibited calcium ion influx.

Evaluación del siteme vascular peniano con ecodoppler en hombres con disfunción eréctil / Evaluation of penile vascular system with color ecodoppler in men with erectile dysfunction

Se estudiaron por medio de ecodoppler color 40 hombres impotentes, con factores de riesgo vascular como antecedentes de su disfunción eréctil. El estudio fue realizado con el pene en estado de flaccidez en escala de grises para la detección de anomalías estructurales, y postinyección de drogas vasoactivas (Alprostadil 10 microgramos) a los 5,15 y 25 minutos. En todos los casos fueron medidas las velocidades de pico sistólico, velocidades de fin de diástole y el calibre arterial. La medición fue hecha sobre la artyeria cavernosa derecha o izquierda, tomando en cuenta el mejor resultado. Observamos que en estado de flaccidez no se pueden obtener datos suficientes para establecer un diagnóstico correcto. En cambio, a los 15 minutos obtuvimos datos suficientes para determinar patrones morfológicos y hemodinámicos de la arteria cavernosa como para realizar diagnóstico de impotencia vasculogénica

Gasometria intracavernosa: drogas vasoactivas vs. dispositivos de vacio / Intracavernosal gasometry: vasoactives drug vs. vacuum devices

Objetivo: Evaluar comparativamente la variación gasométrica en los cuerpos cavernosos durante la erección provocada por el efecto de la inyección intracavernosa de una mezcla de drogas vasoactivas (DVA) versus la provocada con dispositivos de vacío (VAC) en una ppoblación de pacioentes que consultaron por disfunción eréctil (DE). Material y métodos: A un total de 10 pacientes, con una edad `promedio de 54 años (26-69) que consultaron por DE de más de 6 meses de evolución, se les provocó en forma semanal, consecutiva y aleatoria una erección con una inyección intracavernosa de una mezcla de DV y con un dispositivo de vacío con banda de connstricción. A los 30 minutos se tomaron muestras de sangre intracavernosa para la determinación del nivel de oxígeno (pO2), dióxido de carbono (pCO2) y pH. Previamente fue determinada la gasometría de sangre periférica de la arteria radial. Para evitar la influencia de la administración secuencial de los métodos empleados en la interpretación de los resultados se confeccionaron 2 grupos el órden de administración: Grupo 2: VAC, DVA. Resultados: 1 La pO2 post-DVA fue > pO2 post-VAC (p<0,0001). 2 La pCO2 post-DVA fue pH post-VAC (p<0,05). 4 La pO2 y el pH de la sangre periférica fue mayor que la sangre cavernosa post-DVA y post-VAC (p<0,05). 5 No se encontro diferencia significativa entre pCO2 post-DVA y pCO2 periférica. 6 La pCO2 post-VAC fue > que la pCO" periférica (p<0,05). 7 No se observó diferencia entre los valores obtenidos en sangre y el órden en que fue aplicado el método (p>0,05). Conclusión La erteción ocasionada por la ionyección intracavernosa de una mezcla de drogas vasoactivas demostró un aumento significativo en la tensión de oxígeno de la sangre cavernosa en conparación con la ercción provocada por los dispositivos de vacío, que por el contrario mativieron el estado de hipoxia

Effects of acetaldehyde on responses of rabbit corpus cavernosal smooth muscle

Ethanol has various effects on male sexual activity under the influence of direct and indirect, in acute and chronic alcohol ingestion. However, whether acetaldehyde, a principal metabolite of ethanol, may affect penile erection directly has still not been elucidated. This present study was, therefore, designed to clarify the pharmacologic effects of the acetaldehyde on corpus cavernosal smooth muscle. Corpus cavernosal strips were prepared from rabbit penises. Isometric tension changes of rabbit corpus cavernosal strips to various drugs and electrical field stimulation (EFS) in an organ chamber were recorded with a pressure transducer after active muscle tone had been induced by phenylephrine (10(-5) mol/L). At the concentrations employed, acetaldehyde had no effect on the pH of the bathing medium. Acetaldehyde in each concentration did not significantly affect resting tone of the smooth muscle during 30 min incubation. Acetaldehyde suppressed contractility induced by phenylephrine and KCI at 10(-4) mol/L, and relaxation induced by EFS and bethanechol at 10(-3) mol/L and 10(-4) mol/L respectively, but acetaldehyde enhanced relaxation induced by ATP at high acetaldehyde level. Sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation was not affected at any employed acetaldehyde concentration. This suggests that increasing the acetaldehyde level may contribute to male erectile dysfunction mainly by the inhibition of nitric oxide formation.