Recent studies have shown an important role for nitric oxide (NO) in cavernous smooth muscle relaxation. In this study the intracavernosal effects of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were investigated in 32 patients with erectile dysfunction. Erectile response and penile blood flow were investigated following intracavernosal administration of 360 µg SNP and 60 mg papaverine for diagnostic purposes. In all of 32 patients the erectile response to SNP was not better than that to papaverine. Haemodynamic evaluation of the deep penile arteries was carried out by colour duplex Doppler sonography after administration of SNP and papaverine. No differences in peak flow velocities were measured, but the increases in diameter and end-diastolic velocities were higher after SNP than after papaverine. Our data suggest that the NO donor SNP is not a new alternative agent for diagnosis and treatment of impotence.

Keywords:
Erection, Corpus cavernosum, Impotence, Sodium nitroprusside, Papaverine, Nitric oxide
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel
1996
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.