Study of etiologic relationship of arterial atherosclerosis to corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction in the rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore the possible etiologic relationship of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis to corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction.


METHODS
In the New Zealand White rabbit, the competence of the corporal veno-occlusive mechanism was examined at various intervals after exposure to control diet, high cholesterol diet, or aortoiliac atherosclerosis.


RESULTS
Initially, all animals showed normal erectile function and corporal veno-occlusion. After 8 weeks and 16 weeks, the control animals preserved normal erection and corporal veno-occlusion, while most of the hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic animals developed corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction. The incidence of corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction in the hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic animals increased with time.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that a close relationship exists between prolonged atherosclerotic occlusion of major penile arteries and the development of corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction. Ischemia-induced corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction may be the result of alterations in corporal smooth muscle relaxation or changes in the structure and fibroelastic properties of erectile tissue.
Azadzoi
K M
KM
Department of Urology, Boston Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Massachusetts, USA.
Siroky
M B
MB
Goldstein
I
I
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000503:physiopathology; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology*; D011817:Rabbits; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*