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The characterization of the morphology and intrinsic oscillatory contractions in pudendal arteries of aging normotensive rats
Author(s) -
Hannan Johanna,
Blaser Mark,
Pang Judy,
Bennett Brian,
Pang Stephen,
Adams Michael
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.1119.11
Subject(s) - vasomotion , myograph , medicine , erectile dysfunction , cardiology , endocrinology , nitric oxide , vasodilation
Aging increases the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular diseases. We examined the effects of age on erectile function and vascular structure and function, particularly with respect to intrinsic oscillatory properties (vasomotion) of the primary penile resistance artery (pudendal). Methods: Erectile responses were assessed in 15 and 50 week Sprague‐Dawley rats. After sacrifice, myograph‐mounted pudendal arteries were pre‐contracted and responses to acetylcholine and L‐NAME assessed. Oscillations were analysed via FFT and the signals separated by power density spectra; very low (VLF) 0.002‐0.05 Hz, low (LF) 0.05‐0.2 Hz, high (HF) >0.2 Hz. Results: Aged rats had severe ED that corresponded with a disproportionately thickened wall of the pudendal (~2‐fold). In both young and old rats, pudendal vasomotion was dominated by VLF oscillations, whereas aortic waves were mainly LF and HF. Aging increased VLF activity in the pudendal (4‐fold), but not aorta. L‐NAME abolished aortic VLF activity, but did not alter pudendal oscillations. Conclusion: The preponderance of VLF oscillations in the pudendal arteries suggests there is a novel regulation for controlling penile inflow that is independent of nitric oxide. The aging associated morphological and vasomotion changes in the pudendal suggests a causative role for pathogenic vascular remodelling of pre‐penile vessels in aging‐induced ED.