Topical application of a Rho-kinase inhibitor in rats causes penile erection

Y. Dai, K. Chitaley, R. C. Webb, R. W. Lewis, T. M. Mills

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling mediates vasoconstriction in the penile circulation of the rat and that erection results from inhibition of this activity with Y-27632. In prior animal studies, Y-27632 was administered to the rats by intracavernous injection. To determine if topical application of the Rho-kinase inhibitor is an effective mode of delivery, Y-27632 was applied to the surface of the tunica albuginea or to the glans penis and surrounding skin in intact or castrated rats. Both sites of drug administration resulted in a marked increase in the erectile response both with and without stimulation of the autonomic innervation of the penile vasculature. Although high doses of the drug were found to reduce systemic blood pressure, topical administration of the Rho-kinase inhibitor, in appropriate doses, may have clinical value for the treatment erectile dysfunction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)294-298
Number of pages5
JournalInternational journal of impotence research
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Erectile response
  • Rat
  • Rho-kinase
  • RhoA
  • Topical drug application

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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