Nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling mediates an inhibitory action on sensory pathways of the micturition reflex in the rat.

Background: Overactive bladder can be associated with a hyperexcitability of bladder afferent C-fibres. Several studies have suggested that nitric oxide (NO) or its downstream signalling could modulate the micturition reflex (MR) by reducing the excitability of bladder afferents.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of the NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling pathway on the MR in a model of bladder hyperactivity (BHA) associated with C-fibre activation in the rat.

A placebo-controlled exploratory study investigating the efficacy and safety of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor UK-369,003 for the treatment of men with storage lower urinary tract symptoms associated with a clinical diagnosis of overactive bladder.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, UK-369,003 modified release (MR), for the treatment of storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with and without erectile dysfunction (ED).

Patients And Methods: This was a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study conducted across 50 centres in North and South America, Europe and Australia. In all, 310 men aged ≥ 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB; voiding frequency ≥ 8 times/24 h, urgency episode frequency once or more per 24 h and a mean voided volume of <300 mL) and maximum urinary flow rate of >5 mL/s in a voided volume of >150 mL were stratified into two groups (with or without ED) and randomized to one of five treatment groups (10, 25, 50 or 100 mg UK-369,003; or placebo once a day) for 12 weeks.

Daily treatment with sildenafil reverses endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in an animal model of insulin resistance.

Objectives: Patients with insulin resistance exhibit endothelial dysfunction with decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and increased oxidative stress. We postulated that daily sildenafil improved endothelial function in fructose-fed rats.

Methods And Results: Wistar rats were fed a standard or fructose-enriched diet (FFR) for 9 wk.

Comparison between tamsulosin and alfuzosin on the expulsion phase of ejaculation in rats.

Objective: To investigate the effects of acute intravenous (i.v.) delivery of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on the contractions of bulbospongiosus muscles (BS) induced by central delivery of a serotonin agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), in anaesthetized rats, as an experimental model of the expulsion phase of ejaculation.

L6-S1 spinal nerve stimulation reduces micturition frequency in anaesthetized rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis.

Objective: To further investigate the rationale for using spinal nerve stimulation (SNS) for treating bladder overactivity associated with cystitis in a rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, as several studies suggested that symptoms associated with chronic cystitis could be treated using stimulation of sacral spinal nerves, but the mechanisms by which it works are unknown.

Materials And Methods: Cystitis was induced by i.p.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction among 7689 patients with diabetes or hypertension, or both.

Objectives: To survey the presence of, and attitudes toward, erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus who sought general medical care for any reason.

Methods: The abbreviated five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used to determine the presence of ED. A patient questionnaire was used to assess attitudes about ED.