Extract

Objective

A high heart rate is an independent risk factor for the worsening of erectile dysfunction (ED), which is a major health issue in diabetic patients. The Ifunny (If) or hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are involved in synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability under physiological conditions. Corlanor (ivabradine) is selective HCN-gated channel blocker in the sinoatrial node. This study is focused on the possible beneficial effect of intracavernosal injection of ivabradine, on ED in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Adult Sprague-Dawley (n=20) rats were equally divided into two groups: Control and diabetes, which was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin. In vivo erectile responses were also repeated after intracavernosal injection of ivabradine (0.45 mg/kg) in anesthetized rats. Ivabradine relaxant responses were assessed in control rat corpus cavernosum (CC) strips after several inhibitors. The relaxant responses of CC strips were evaluated in the presence or absence of ivabradine (10μM).

You do not currently have access to this article.