[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.
Cheng
Jian-Li
JL
Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China.
Hu
Li-Quan
LQ
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