Noradrenaline release in human corpus cavernosum and its modulation via presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors

Strips of human corpus cavernosum were incubated with 3H-noradrenaline and subsequently superfused with physiological salt solution containing desipramine and corticosterone. The electrically (0.66 Hz) evoked tritium overflow was abolished by tetrodotoxin or omission of Ca2+ from the superfusion fluid. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist B-HT 920 (6-allyl-2-amino-5, 6, 7, 8-4H-thiazolo-5,4-d-azepine), inhibited the evoked overflow, whereas the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, methoxamine, was ineffective. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, rauwolscine, facilitated the evoked tritium overflow. It is concluded that the stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic nerve fibres of the human corpus cavernosum is modulated via presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors.