Korean J Androl.  2009 Dec;27(3):170-176.

The Effects of Ethanol and Acetaldehyde on Corpus Cavernosal Smooth Muscle of the Rabbit

• Lee KR
• Bae JH
• Kim JW
• Shim KS
• Oh MM
• Park MG
• Moon DG
• Kim JJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study is to assess the pharmacologic effects of ethanol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde on potassium channels of the corpus cavernosal smooth muscle of the rabbit.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cavernosal strips from New Zealand white rabbits were harvested and pharmacophysiologic organ bath studies were executed. In equilibrium state after incubation, zaprinast (PDE5 inhibitor) induced relaxations were monitored in strips precontracted with phenylephrine (PE, 10(-4)M). The inhibitory effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde (2, 20, 40, 80 mmol) on zaprinast-induced relaxations were recorded. Pinacidil (K(ATP) channel opener) and phloretin (BK channel opener) were tested to reverse the inhibitory effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde on zaprinast-induced relaxations.
RESULTS
Both ethanol and acetaldehyde inhibited the zaprinast-induced relaxations in a dosedependent manner (p<0.05). Both pinacidil and phloretin abolished the inhibition by both ethanol and acetaldehyde (p<0.05). Ethanol and acetaldehyde inhibits cavernosal relaxation, possibly through BK channels and K(ATP) channels.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that ethanol and its metabolite may affect the corpus cavernosal smooth muscle directly and lead to consequent erectile dysfunction. Furthermolecular and electrophysiological studies will help reveal the underlying mechanisms to which this process occurs.

Keyword

Acetaldehyde; Erectile dysfunction; Ethanol; Penis

MeSH Terms

Acetaldehyde
Baths
Erectile Dysfunction
Ethanol
Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Male
Muscle, Smooth
Penis
Phenylephrine
Phloretin
Pinacidil
Potassium Channels
Purinones
Rabbits
Relaxation
Acetaldehyde
Ethanol
Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Phenylephrine
Phloretin
Pinacidil
Potassium Channels
Purinones