Sexual Dysfunction In Male Rats Research Articles

Chronic corticosterone exposure evokes itch hypersensitivity and sexual dysfunction in male rats: Relationship between the two distinct gastrin-releasing peptide systems in the spinal cord

In today’s society, people are subjected to many social stressors, and excessive chronic stress causes functional disruption of the neuroendocrine system and many diseases. Although the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis with symptoms of itching and erectile dysfunction is induced by chronic stress, the details of the mechanisms are unknown. Here, we examined the effects of chronic stress on itch sensation and male sexual function at the behavioral and molecular levels, focusing on two distinct gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) systems that independently regulate itch transmission, i.e., the somatosensory GRP system, and male sexual function, i.e., the lumbosacral autonomic GRP system, in the spinal cord. In a rat model of chronic stress induced by chronic corticosterone (CORT) administration, we observed increased plasma CORT concentrations, decreased body weight, and increased anxiety-like behavior, similar to that observed in humans. Chronic CORT exposure induced hypersensitivity to itch and increased the Grp mRNA level in the spinal somatosensory system, but there was no change in pain or tactile sensitivity. Antagonists of the somatosensory GRP receptor, an itch-specific mediator, suppressed itch hypersensitivity induced by chronic CORT exposure. In contrast, chronic CORT exposure decreased male sexual behavior, ejaculated semen volume, vesicular gland weight, and plasma testosterone levels. However, there were no effects on the expression of Grp mRNA or protein in the lumbosacral autonomic GRP system, which regulates male sexual function. In summary, chronic stress model rats showed itch hypersensitivity and impaired sexual function in males, and the involvement of the spinal GRP systems was apparent in itch hypersensitivity.

Effects of Mirabilis jalapa L. root extract and sildenafil on paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats and characterization of its phytoconstituents by UPLC-MS

Effects of Mirabilis jalapa L. root extract and sildenafil on paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats and characterization of its phytoconstituents by UPLC-MS

Irisin ameliorates male sexual dysfunction in paroxetine-treated male rats

Sexual dysfunction is a common clinical condition due to different causes including the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Especially, SSRI paroxetine is known to cause numerous types of sexual dysfunction in men. There is growing interest in exercise as a non-pharmacological approach for the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. With these in mind, we investigated the effects of irisin, which is a recently detected exercise-linked hormone, on paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Our findings showed that circulating irisin levels were lower in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats (20 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks by oral gavage than in vehicle-treated rats). In addition, results from sexual behavioral tests revealed that subcutaneous irisin perfusion (100 ng/kg/day via mini-osmotic pumps for 28 days) ameliorated sexual motivation and copulatory performance in sexually impaired male rats treated with paroxetine. The significantly reduced serum testosterone levels and α1-adrenoceptors (ADRA1A) and tyrosine hydroxylase gene (TH) expression levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in paroxetine-induced sexually dysfunctioning male rats were markedly increased following irisin exposure. Similarly, the expression levels of ADRA1A and TH in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) significantly increased in male rats co-administered with paroxetine and irisin compared to the vehicle-treated male rats. These results demonstrate that irisin may be a therapeutic modality that mimics/supports the beneficial effects of exercise for improving SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction in men through increase in serum testosterone levels and increased expression of α1-adrenoceptors and TH in the NAc and mPOA associated with sexual motivation and copulatory behaviors.

Leaf-Methanolic Extract of Pseudopanax arboreus (Araliaceae) (L. F. Phillipson) Reverses Amitriptyline-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Rats

The people of the Bayangi tribe (Manyu Division) of Cameroon have used the leaves of Pseudopanax arboreus (Araliaceae) traditionally for decades as an aphrodisiac. In order to scientifically investigate this folk claim, we evaluated the effects of the leaf-aqueous extract of P. arboreus on the sexual behavior of normal male rats. The present study was designed to assess the effects of the leaf-methanolic extract of P. arboreus on amitriptyline-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Sexually impaired male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. Group 1 received 10 ml/kg distilled water, while group 2 was given 6 mg/kg Viagra. Groups 3 and 4 received 46.5 and 93 mg/kg of the leaf-methanolic extract, respectively. Female rats were made receptive by ovariectomy and subsequent hormonal treatment. Sexual behavior parameters were monitored on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 by pairing each male to a receptive female. The extract-treated rats registered significant decrease in mount latency (ML) and intromission latency (IL); nonsignificant increase in mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and penile licking (PL); significant decrease in postejaculatory interval (PEI); contrasting effects in ejaculation latency (EL); and mean intromission interval (MII). Both doses of the extract also provoked a significant increase in relative weight of testes, but had no significant effect on the plasma hormonal profile. These findings are similar to those obtained with normal male rats and show that the leaf-methanolic extract of P. arboreus could constitute a potential solution to male sexual impairment.

EFFECT OF YOHIMBINE ON CLOMIPRAMINE-INDUCED SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MALE RATS

Object: The present investigation has been carried out to find out the effect of yohimbine on clomipramine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats.Methods: The male rats were treated with clomipramine and yohimbine simultaneously for 60 days. During the treatment, all the male rats werechallenged with the female rats which are in estrous phase and their sexual behavior was observed under dim red light. Half of the animals in each group and remaining on 60 day were sacrificed, blood was collected and serum separated. Testis was collected and preserved in 10% formalin forsubsequent histopathological examination. thResults: The study reveals that yohimbine failed to antagonize the clomipramine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats in all aspects, except thepartial improvement in the sexual behavior.Conclusion: Yohimbine a well-known aphrodisiac failed to antagonize the clomipramine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. The decrease intestosterone levels, a decrease in spermatozoa count were continued even in the presence of yohimbine except improvement in the sexual behaviorparameters. Hence, yohimbine could not be a safe antidote against clomipramine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats.Keywords: Yohimbine, Clomipramine, Testosterone, Male rat sexual competence, Testicular damage.

Influence of cyproheptadine on clomipramine induced sexual dysfunction in male rats

Background: In our earlier studies we have reported that clomipramine (clmp) has the ability to suppress male rat sexual behaviour. It was also reported that clomipramine produced dose dependent and time dependent decrease in the testosterone levels and also damage to the testes. Methods: In the present investigation we have challenged the male rats which were under treatment with clomipramine with cyproheptadine a serotonin antagonist. The treatment was continued for 60 days. At the end of 30 days half of the animals in each group were sacrificed blood was collected through cardiac puncture, serum was separated subjected for the estimation of serum testosterone and prolactin. At regular intervals all the male rats under treatment were challenged with female rats which are in oestrous stage and various sexual behaviour parameters were studied for 30 minutes under dim red light. Results: The result reveals that prior treatment with cyproheptadine prevented the decline in testosterone levels induced by clmp, testicular damage was also prevented successfully with cyproheptadine at ½ TD and TD doses of clmp, but failed to maintain at higher doses. The sexual competence of male rats like mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency and other sexual behaviour parameters also restored to normal in the ½ TD clmp treated group. In the rats treated with TD and 2TD clmp only partial improvement was observed. Conclusions: The cyproheptadine a drug used as appetizer has the ability to elevate testosterone levels; it has also protected the testis from clomipramine induced damage. The sexual behaviour of the rats which were under treatment with clomipramine was also restored partially in TD and 2TD whereas the rats which were under ½ TD clmp treatment were restored to normal.

Carpolobia lutea roots restore sexual arousal and performance in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats

ObjectiveThis study aimed at investigating the aphrodisiac effects of aqueous extract of Carpolobia lutea root at the doses of 47, 94 and 141mg/kg body weight in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Materials and methodsThirty sexually active male rats (148.20±3.22g) were assigned into six groups (A–F) of five animals each. Rats in group A received 0.5ml of distilled water once daily for 7 days while those in groups B, C, D, E and F which were induced with sexual dysfunction (oral administration of 10mg/kg of paroxetine suspension, once daily for 21 days) received 0.5ml corresponding to 7.14mg/kg body weight of PowmaxM, 47, 94 and 141mg/kg body weight of the extract and distilled water, respectively. Sexual behaviour parameters (frequencies of mount (ML), intromission (IF), ejaculation (EL), latencies of mount (ML), intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) and post ejaculation interval (PEI)) were monitored 30min post administration by pairing (1:1) with receptive female rats (114.01±2.64g) on days 1, 4 and 7. The concentrations of serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined after 7 days of administration using standard methods. ResultsThe study revealed that the extract contained saponins (21.02mg/L), anthraquinones (5.11mg/L), alkaloids (2.93mg/L), flavonoids (1.82mg/L), tannins (0.91mg/L) and cardiac glycosides (0.09mg/L) whereas terpenes, phlobatannins and steroids were not detected. Paroxetine significantly (p<0.05) decreased mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency and ejaculation latency whereas it increased mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory interval for more than the baseline of 25% in each case. In contrast, all the doses of the extract significantly (p<0.05) attenuated the parameters of sexual behaviour displayed by the sexual dysfunction animals, with the 141mg/kg body weight comparing favourably (p>0.05) with the sexual dysfunction animals treated with Powmax. In addition, the extract significantly (p<0.05) elevated the levels of serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone which were hitherto reduced by paroxetine. ConclusionThe study concludes that the aqueous extract of C. lutea root especially the doses of 94 and 141mg/kg body weight restored various components of sexual arousal and performance as well as the reproductive hormones in the sexually sluggish male rats with the highest dose being the most effective. Present findings provide experimental evidence to support the folkloric claim of the plant in the management of sexual inadequacies in males.

Effects of aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea (Vahl ex De Cantolle) root on paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats

To determine the effects of the aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea root on paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats. The extract (13, 26 and 52 mg/kg body weight) and the reference herbal drug, PowmaxM (7.14 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats, once daily for 5 d and their sexual behaviour parameters were monitored and computed. The serum hormones (testosterone, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones) were determined at the end of the exposure period. Administration of paroxetine to sexually active male rats significantly ( P <0.05) reduced the mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and ejaculation frequency (EF), whereas mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculatory latency (EL) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were increased. The extracts progressively reversed the trends of MF, IF, EF, ML, IL, EL and PEI in the paroxetin-treated animals towards the control values throughout the exposure period. The sexual behaviour parameters compared well with the PowmaxM-treated animals but not comparable to the distilled water administered animals. In addition, all the doses of the extract elevated ( P <0.05) the levels of serum LH and FSH and decreased testosterone contents. The aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea root at the doses of 13, 26 and 52 mg/kg body weight restored sexual competence at least to a reasonable extent in sexually impaired/sluggish male rats with the highest dose producing the best efficacy. The results support the folkloric claim of the plant for the management of sexual disorder in males.

The effect of amantadine on clomipramine induced sexual dysfunction in male rats.

Several studies have reported that Clomipramine has the ability to suppress male rat sexual behavior. Literature indicates that the activation of brain D(2) receptors causes facilitation of penile erection, and a number of reports have indicated dopamine's involvement in sexual function. Hence this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Amantadine, a dopamine agonists on the Clomipramine induced sexual dysfunction. The study subjects involved a total of 48 males and 48 females, 4 months old Sprague-Dawley albino rats, all housed in a group of six males and females separately in plexi glass cages in an acclimatized colony room (25±0.5(0)C) maintained on a 12/12 hr light/dark cycle. The male rats were randomly divided into four groups of 12 male rats each. Group I served as controls. Group II, III, and IV were treated with Amantadine (9 mg/kg body weight, p.o) 30 min, prior to the treatment with 13.5 mg/kg, 27 mg/Kg and 54 mg/Kg bodyweight p.o of Clomipramine respectively for 60 days. The control group received vehicle 1 ml / kg p.o. The sexual behavior of the male rats was observed to determine the following parameters: mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, post ejaculatory pause, and intromission frequency. As well as the sexual behavior; serum testosterone and histopathology of the testes were also investigated in this study. The results indicate that Amantadine in all aspects failed to antagonize Clomipramine induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Even the sexual competence of male rats treated with ½ therapeutic dose (TD) of Clomipramine failed to regain their sexual competence in the presence of Amantadine. Testicular damage and decline in testosterone levels continued in the presence of Amantadine. Overall, the results suggest that Amantadine could not be a safe antidote to antagonize Clomipramine induced sexual dysfunction.

Effect of Curculigo orchioides on hyperglycemia-induced oligospermia and sexual dysfunction in male rats

Sustained hyperglycemia is considered as a major cause of sexual and erectile dysfunction in human population. Curculigo orchioides (CO) is considered as a sexual tonic in Ayurvedic system of medicine with potent antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. The aqueous extract of the herb was evaluated for its effectiveness against streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic stress and subsequent sexual dysfunction due to hyperglycemia in male rats. Six groups with eight male rats in each group were used for this study and the study was carried out for 28 days. The body and organ weights of the animals were recorded. Behavioral analysis of rats was undertaken to observe the effect on mount, ejaculation and intromission (latencies and frequencies) and hesitation time. Blood glucose and serum testosterone levels were determined 28 days past treatment with CO at 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) doses. Glibenclamide and sildenafil citrate were used as positive controls. This deleterious effect of sustained hyperglycemia and associated stress was prominently ameliorated in animals treated with aqueous extract of CO. CO treatment was helpful in ameliorating the damage caused by sustained hyperglycemia evidenced in the principle parameters viz. male sexual behavior, sperm count, penile erection index and seminal fructose content Antioxidant and anabolic activities of the extract under investigation could be a major attribute in preserving the sexual functions in hyperglycemic male rats. The study validates the use of CO in traditional medicine for curing diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction and compromised sexual potency.