The investigation of putative agents, using an in vitro model, to prevent cavernosal smooth muscle dysfunction during low-flow priapism.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effect of putative agents for preventing irreversible smooth muscle dysfunction, using an in vitro model of low-flow priapism (a condition conventionally managed using a combination of corporal blood aspiration and instillation of alpha-adrenergic agonists), as failure of detumescence results in a high incidence of erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We investigated the effects of several agents (N-acetylcysteine, BayK 8644, glutathione, digoxin, calcium and N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) on the recovery of smooth muscle tone after exposure to 4 h of a combination of hypoxia, glucopenia and acidosis in corpus cavernosum isolated from rabbit.

RESULTS:

After 4 h of ischaemia, none of the agents were able to prevent irreversible smooth muscle dysfunction.

CONCLUSION:

Prolonged low-flow priapism leads to smooth muscle dysfunction and fibrosis within the corpus cavernosum. When alpha-adrenergic agents fail to reverse the condition, surgical intervention is required. We showed that the administration of novel agents, including antioxidants, does not prevent smooth muscle dysfunction.

• Authors: Asif Muneer, Selim Cellek, David J Ralph, Suks Minhas
• Journal: BJU international (BJU Int) Vol. 102 Issue 8 Pg. 988-92 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 1464-410X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18565173 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• 3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester
• Digoxin
• Glutathione
• Calcium
• NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester
• Acetylcysteine

Topics

• 3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester (pharmacology)
• Acetylcysteine (pharmacology)
• Animals
• Calcium (pharmacology)
• Digoxin (pharmacology)
• Glutathione (pharmacology)
• Male
• Muscle Contraction (drug effects)
• Muscle Relaxation (drug effects)
• Muscle Tonus (drug effects)
• Muscle, Smooth (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Muscular Diseases (etiology, prevention & control)
• NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester (pharmacology)
• Penis (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Priapism (complications, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Rabbits