Effect of local alpha-adrenergic blockade on human penile erection.
Recent data suggest that selective local blockade of the alpha-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic innervation within the corpora cavernosa of the penis will result in erection in normal and impotent subjects. To examine this hypothesis we studied in a randomized, double-blinded fashion 8 impotent patients and 2 normal controls. The organic nature of the impotence was documented with nocturnal penile tumescence testing, sacral latency examination, Doppler penile blood flow measurements, hormonal evaluation and psychological testing. The 2 normal controls had full erections for 5 to 7 minutes after the intracorporeal injection of 5 mg. phentolamine. All of the impotent subjects had tumescence without full erection after a similar injection. The tumescence was augmented by standing upright and diminished by assuming a supine posture, and lasted for several hours. Possible mechanisms, and diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed.
Blum
M D
MD
Bahnson
R R
RR
Porter
T N
TN
Carter
M F
MF
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D010646:Phentolamine