The effect of sildenafil on electrostimulation-induced erection in the rat model

This study was conducted to show the effect of sildenafil on electrostimulation-induced erection in the rat model. Fifteen 12-week-old male Wistar Kyoto rats were used. The intracavernous pressure and arterial blood pressure were simultaneously monitored through electric cavernous nerve stimulation before and after the administration of sildenafil (2 mg/kg). Statistical analysis was performed on maximal intracavernous pressure (MIP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), the MIP/MAP and detumescence time. MAP decreased significantly by about 20 mmHg after sildenafil administration. The MIP/MAP increased significantly after sildenafil administration. The effect of sildenafil on the MIP/MAP was marked especially at lower (2-3 Hz) frequencies. The detumescence time significantly increased after sildenafil administration. We have shown that sildenafil is effective for enhancing erection at lower frequencies and prolonging penile erection in rats. After the administration of sildenafil, penile erection would be induced by weak stimuli that will not cause penile erection under normal conditions.