Effects of antihypertensive drugs on erectile function and number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats / 中华男科学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the effects of antihypertensive drugs on the erectile function and number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen male SHRs of six-weeks old were randomized into three groups Vilsartan intervention group, Aldactone intervention group and control group. Vilsartan [30 mg/(kg.d)] and Aldactone [20 mg/(kg.d)] were administered by gavage to respective groups. After twelve weeks treatment, all SHRs were tested for erectile function and then killed for the detection of nNOS-containing nerve fibers by Streptaridin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry techniques (SP method).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The erection frequency in Vilsartan group was higher, compared with other two groups(P < 0.05), in which no significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in erection rates among these three groups. The number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in two intervention groups was higher than the control group(P < 0.01), but no significant difference existed between these two groups(P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Vilsartan improves erectile function in SHRs while Aldactone doesn't. The difference can't be explained by the number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers, and it is probably related to the vascular reconstruction induced by angiotensin II receptor antagonists.</p>