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An angiotensin II receptor blocker increases sexual behavior in type 2 diabetic mice

Masayoshi Nomura1, Hisae Nishii, Yumi Ozaki

  • 1Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan. nomusan@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp

Physiology & Behavior
|April 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Olmesartan treatment improved sexual function in male type 2 diabetes mice by blocking angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 (AT(1)) receptors. This suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic sexual dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes is associated with male sexual dysfunction.
  • The renin-angiotensin system, including angiotensin II (ANG II) and its type 1 (AT(1)) receptor, plays a role in diabetes complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of olmesartan, an AT(1) receptor antagonist, on sexual function in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
  • To determine if blocking the AT(1) receptor can ameliorate sexual dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • KK/Ta mice (type 2 diabetes model) and control mice (ICR, BALB/C) were fed chow with or without olmesartan for 4 weeks.
  • Sexual behavior, activity, and anxiety levels were assessed.
  • Olmesartan dosage was 7.5 microg/g in chow.

Main Results:

  • Olmesartan significantly increased mounting and intromission frequency and decreased latency to first mount in KK/Ta mice.
  • These improvements in sexual function were specific to the type 2 diabetes model mice.
  • Olmesartan did not affect activity or anxiety levels in any group.

Conclusions:

  • The interaction between ANG II and AT(1) receptors is implicated in the pathogenesis of sexual dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
  • Blocking ANG II signaling via AT(1) receptor antagonism may be a promising therapeutic approach for male sexual dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

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