Skip to main content
Log in

Evaluating the effects of an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist on erectile function in the human male

1. The erectile response to erotic stimuli in volunteers

  • Original Investigations
  • Published:
Psychopharmacology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The effects of a new alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist on erectile function was assessed in 12 normal volunteers (mean age 28.7, range 20–42), using a double blind, placebo controlled design with two doses of drug and three testing sessions. The drug was administered by intravenous infusion and erectile responses to erotic fantasy and films were monitored by a Rigiscan device. Four effects of the drug were observed; (i) an increase in spontaneous erections; (ii) increased subjective ratings of sexual arousal,before presentation of erotic stimuli; (iii) increased duration of erectile response to erotic stimuli; and (iv) increases in systolic BP and HR both before and during erotic stimulation. These effects were largely restricted to the high dose of the drug. Adverse effects of the drug were minimal.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bancroft J (1988) Reproductive hormones and male sexual function. In: Sitsen JMA (ed) The Handbook of sexology: volume VI, the pharmacology and endocrinology of sexual function. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 297–315

    Google Scholar 

  • Bancroft J, Wu FCW (1983) Changes in erectile responsiveness during androgen therapy. Arch Sexual Behav 12: 59–66

    Google Scholar 

  • Brindley GS (1986) Pilot experiments on the actions of drugs injected into the human corpus cavernosum penis. Br J Pharmacol 87: 495–500

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown CM, MacKinnon AC., Redfern WS, Hicks PE, Kilpatrick AT, Small C, Ramcharan M, Clague RU, Clark RD et al. (1993) The pharmacology of RS15385-197. Br J Pharmacol 108: 516–525

    Google Scholar 

  • Carani C, Bancroft J, Granata A, Del Rio G, Marrama P (1992) Testosterone and erectile function; nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity, and erectile response to visual erotic stimuli in hypogonadal and eugonadal men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 17: 647–654

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark JT, Smith ER, Davidson JM (1984) Enhancement of sexual motivation in male rats by yohimbine. Science 225: 847–848

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark JT, Smith ER, Davidson JM (1985a) Evidence for the modulation of sexual behavior by alpha-adrenoceptors in male rats. Neuroendocrinology 41: 36–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark JT, Smith ER, Davidson JM (1985b) Testosterone is not required for the enhancement of sexual motivation by yohimbine. Physiol Behav 35: 517–521

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RD, Repke DB, Berger J, Nelson JT, Kilpatrick AT, Brown CM, MacKinnon AC, Clague RU, Spedding M (1991) Structure-affinity relationships of 12-sulphonyl derivatives of 5,8,8a,9,10,11,12a,13,13a-decahydro-6H,-isoquno[2,1–9][1,6] naphthyridines at alpha-receptors. J Med Chem 34: 705–717

    Google Scholar 

  • Danjou P, Alexandre L, Warot D, Lacomblez L, Puech AJ (1988) Assessment of erectogenic properties of apomorphine and yohimbine in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol 26: 733–739

    Google Scholar 

  • Everitt BJ, Bancroft J (1991) Of rats and men: the comparative approach to male sexuality. Annu Rev Sex Res 2: 77–118

    Google Scholar 

  • Kwan M, Greenleaf WJ, Mann J, Crapo L, Davidson JM (1983) The nature of androgen action on male sexuality; a combined laboratory and self-report study in hypogonadal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 57: 557–562

    Google Scholar 

  • Morales A, Condra M, Owen JA, Surridge DH, Fenemore J, Harris C (1987) Is yohimbine effective in the treatment of organic impotence? Results of a controlled trial. J Urol 137: 1168–1172

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Carroll RE, Shapiro C, Bancroft J (1985) Androgens, behaviour and nocturnal erections in hypogonadal men: the effect of varying the replacement dose. Clin Endocrinol 23: 527–538

    Google Scholar 

  • Redfern WR et al. (1993) Modulation of central noradrenergic function by RS 15385-197. Br J Pharmacol 108: 437–442

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid K, Surridge DHC, Morales A, et al. (1987) Double-blind trial of yohimbine in the treatment of psychogenic impotence. Lancet ii: 421–423

    Google Scholar 

  • Riley AJ, Goodman RE, Kellet JM, Orr R (1989) Double blind trial of yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of erection inadequacy. Sex Marital Ther 4:17–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonda LP, Mazo R, Chancellor MB (1990) The role of yohimbine for the treatment of erectile impotence. J Sex Marital Ther 16: 15–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Susset, JG, Tessier, CD, Wincze J, Bansal S, Malhotra C, Schwacha MG (1989) Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double blind study. J Urol 141: 1360–1363

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Munoz, M., Bancroft, J. & Turner, M. Evaluating the effects of an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist on erectile function in the human male. Psychopharmacology 115, 463–470 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02245569

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02245569

Key words

Navigation