title: A simplified in vitro preparation of the corpus cavernosum as a tool for investigating erectile pharmacology in the rat.
abstract: This work describes a simple technique for the assessment of corpus cavernosum function in a species, the rat, representing a convenient model for basic research. We obtained measurable and reproducible responses to different pharmacological agents as well as to electrical field stimulation. In view of the present results we conclude that isolation of the erectile tissue together with the septum may constitute a valuable experimental tool for investigating both local erectile mechanisms and the action of drugs, in the rat corpus cavernosum. Data obtained in the presence of N-nitro-L-arginine and methylene blue further reinforce the concept that nitric oxide may be involved in the process of erection in the rats as well as in other animal species.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Urology, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Italiano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Calabrò
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pagano
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010413:Penis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D009569:Nitric Oxide; D009638:Norepinephrine