OBJECTIVETo evaluate the application of intracavernous pressure (ICP) monitoring in the electrophysiologic and pharmacologic induction of penile erection.

METHODSThe penile dorsal nerves (DN) of 8 anesthetized adult male rats were isolated and the corpora cavernosa exposed. A heparinized 25-gauge angiocath (intravenous catheter) was inserted into the right corpus cavernosum to monitor the ICP and a 30-gauge needle was inserted into the left corpus cavernosum for intracavernosal drug administration. Penile erection was induced by electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve (16 Hz frequency, 0.5 ms pulse width, 20 s duration, 4 volts) and intracavernous papaverine hydrochloride injection (0.4 mg). ICP was recorded with the SMUP-PC biological signal process system.

RESULTSIn the anesthetized rats, the baseline level of ICP was (12.3 +/- 3.1) mm Hg and the electrical stimulation of the DN significantly increased ICP[(36.4 +/- 2.3) mm Hg, P < 0.05], which slowly returned to baseline pressure after termination of the electrical stimulation. The intravavernosal administration of papaverine also induced a significant increase in ICP [(28.4 +/- 6.1) mm Hg, P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONICP monitoring in rats provides a useful scientific tool for in vivo studies of penile erection in experimental rat models. It is of great significance for further studying the physiology of penile erection and the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction as well as for evaluating the efficacy of novel therapies for erectile dysfunction.