Intracavernous pressure during erection in rats: an integrative approach based on telemetric recording

To better understand the similarities and differences in the neural control of penile erection occurring in different contexts, we recorded intracavernous pressure (ICP) in conscious rats using a miniaturized telemetric device. ICP changes during reflexive, noncontact, and apomorphine-induced erections were characterized by a plateau increase surmounted by peaks. Plateaus were also elicited by cavernous nerve stimulation in anesthetized rats, suggesting that the cavernous nerve represents the final common proerectile autonomic pathway in these contexts and that it responds similarly to information originating in the periphery or in supraspinal nuclei. During reflexive, noncontact, and apomorphine-induced erections, activation of spinal autonomic nuclei, considered the spinal generators of erection, would take place first, representing a prerequisite for the occurrence of peaks. Suprasystolic peaks would result from the addition of pudendal motoneuron activity. In contrast, only peaks were recorded during copulation. In this context, the convergence of peripheral and supraspinal information apparently elicits the best temporal arrangement of autonomic and somatic outflows, reflecting a highly organized and integrated spinal activity.