Radiation-induced decrease in nitric oxide synthase--containing nerves in the rat penis. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE: Evaluate effect of prostatic irradiation on erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven male adult rats were divided into three groups according to a single radiation dose to the prostate: control (no irradiation) (n = 15), 1,000 cGy (n = 15), and 2,000 cGy (n = 17). Five months after irradiation, rats underwent evaluation of penile vascularity and of erectile response to central and peripheral stimulation. After the study a proximal-shaft penile segment was obtained for staining. RESULTS: Histologic evaluation demonstrated that, with increasing radiation, the number of nitric oxide synthase-containing nerve fibers per penile segment decreased significantly: control, 225.6 +/- 9.7; 1,000 cGy, 156.3 +/- 12.0; 2,000 cGy, 85.8 +/- 10.1 (standard error of the mean). Maximal intracavernous pressure induced with electrostimulation decreased significantly with increasing radiation dose. After injection of papaverine, maximal intracavernous pressure was significantly decreased in only the 2,000-cGy group. CONCLUSION: A dose of 2,000 cGy over the prostatic bed induces erectile dysfunction by causing defects in the vascular supply of the erectile tissue and in the nerves and smooth muscle.

publication date

  • April 1, 1995

Research

keywords

  • Amino Acid Oxidoreductases
  • Impotence, Vasculogenic
  • NADPH Dehydrogenase
  • Nerve Fibers
  • Penile Erection
  • Penis
  • Prostate
  • Radiation Injuries, Experimental

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0028938498

PubMed ID

  • 7534430

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 195

issue

  • 1