Phenotype-specific down-regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pelvic ganglia of castrated rats: Implications for neurogenic erectile dysfunction

Article ID	Journal	Published Year	Pages	File Type
6284648	Neuroscience Letters	2011	5 Pages	PDF

Abstract

âº First discovery of a functional mechanism underlying neurogenic erectile dysfunction. âº Androgen deprivation causes neurogenic erectile dysfunction in rats. âº Castration down-regulates nicotinic Ach receptors in pelvic ganglia of rats. âº The reduced nicotinic currents are seen only in parasympathetic penile neurons. âº The phenotype-specific plasticity of pelvic neurons contributes to neurogenic ED.

Keywords

nAChRs pelvic nerves HGN parasympathetic neurons Hypogastric nerves ICP DiI Androgen ACh Erectile dysfunction Acetylcholine testosterone Intracavernous pressure Pelvic ganglia Androgen Receptor nicotinic acetylcholine receptor nicotinic acetylcholine receptors