[Effects of antihypertensive drugs on erectile function and number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of antihypertensive drugs on the erectile function and number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).


METHODS
Eighteen male SHRs of six-weeks old were randomized into three groups: Vilsartan intervention group, Aldactone intervention group and control group. Vilsartan [30 mg/(kg.d)] and Aldactone [20 mg/(kg.d)] were administered by gavage to respective groups. After twelve weeks treatment, all SHRs were tested for erectile function and then killed for the detection of nNOS-containing nerve fibers by Streptaridin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry techniques (SP method).


RESULTS
The erection frequency in Vilsartan group was higher, compared with other two groups(P < 0.05), in which no significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in erection rates among these three groups. The number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in two intervention groups was higher than the control group(P < 0.01), but no significant difference existed between these two groups(P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Vilsartan improves erectile function in SHRs while Aldactone doesn't. The difference can't be explained by the number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers, and it is probably related to the vascular reconstruction induced by angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.
Jian-Li
JL
Cheng
Li-Quan
LQ
Hu
D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000201:enzymology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism*; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects*; D010413:Penis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; C496322:Nos1 protein, rat