Abstract
A wealth of pharmacological studies suggest that nitric oxide (NO) generated in the corpus cavernosum is a main molecular mediator of penile erection. However, the physiological levels of NO in the corpora and their possible changes during penile erection have remained unknown for want of suitable methodologies. We have adapted a voltammetric procedure, derived from Malinski's method, for assessing NO levels in the penis in vivo. Differential normal pulse voltammetry with carbon fiber electrodes (30 μm) coated with a polymeric porphyrin and Nafion was used to measure the NO oxidation current in the corpora cavernosa of urethane-anesthetized rats. The intracavernous pressure was monitored simultaneously. A NO oxidation peak was consistently detected at approximately 650 mV both in NO solutions and in the corpora in vivo. The changes in the NO signals observed in vitro were consistent with the concentration values measured by chemiluminescence. The NO signal recorded in vivo increased following cavernous nerve stimulation and was greatly decreased by intracavernous injections of several inhibitors of the neuronal and endothelial NO synthase isoenzymes. Such results agree with our previous studies using this methodology and substantiate further its validity for monitoring the physiological changes in NO levels in the penis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
