Inhibitory effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine on penile erectile function in the rat

1. An increase in corporal pressure was elicited in pithed rats by stimulation of the sacral part of the spinal cord. This response was inhibited by intravenous injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (ED50 = 28.5 +/- 2.2 micrograms kg-1). 2. The inhibitory effect of 5-HT was blocked by methysergide and methiothepin (each 1 mg kg-1), but not by ketanserin (0.02 mg kg-1), MDL 72222 (1 mg kg-1) or prazosin (0.1 mg kg-1). 3. An inhibitory effect on the corporal pressure response to spinal stimulation was also produced by 5-carboxyamidotryptamine (ED50 = 5.6 +/- 2.8 micrograms kg-1), but not by m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), RU 24969, 8-hydroxy-2-[di-n-propyl-amino]-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) or fenfluramine (doses up to 1-2 mg kg-1). 4. Neither methiothepin (1 mg kg-1) nor clomipramine (1 mg kg-1) had any effect on the frequency-response curve for increase in corporal pressure by spinal stimulation. 5. The results indicate that 5-HT exerts an inhibitory action on penile erection by a peripheral mechanism. This effect may be mediated by vasoconstriction in cavernosal vessels, or inhibition of release of a vasodilator neurotransmitter. From the spectrum of agonist and antagonist responses, the receptor involved may be of the 5-HT1D subtype.