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Autonomic control and vascular changes during penile erection in monkeys
K E Creed1, C J Carati, E J Keogh
1School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Western Australia.
British Journal of Urology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Pelvic nerve stimulation causes penile erection by increasing corpus cavernosum pressure and blood flow in monkeys. Other nerves cause retraction but also increase pressure, suggesting complex erectile tissue control.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- The physiology of penile erection involves complex neural control mechanisms.
- Understanding the roles of different nerves in penile function is crucial for treating erectile dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pelvic and sympathetic nerve stimulation on penile hemodynamics in monkeys.
- To elucidate the neural pathways controlling penile erection and retraction.
Main Methods:
- Monkeys underwent pelvic and sympathetic nerve stimulation.
- Corpus cavernosum pressure and penile length were measured.
- Arterial inflow was assessed by monitoring blood flow.
- Pharmacological agents (atropine, propranolol) were used to block specific receptors.
Main Results:
- Pelvic nerve stimulation (8-10 Hz) induced penile extension and increased mean corpus cavernosum pressure to 64.3 mm Hg, indicating increased arterial inflow.
- The response to pelvic nerve stimulation was not blocked by atropine or propranolol.
- Hypogastric nerve or sympathetic chain stimulation caused penile retraction but also increased corpus cavernosum pressure, partially blocking the pelvic nerve response.
Conclusions:
- Pelvic nerve stimulation is a primary driver of penile erection through increased arterial inflow.
- Both pelvic and sympathetic nerves can contract penile erectile tissue, but have opposing effects on penile length.
- These findings highlight the intricate neural control of penile function.