Activity-Based Training Alters Penile Reflex Responses in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury.
J Sex Med
; 16(8): 1143-1154, 2019 08.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31277969
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Multisystem functional gains have been reported in males with spinal cord injury (SCI) after undergoing activity-based training (ABT), including increases in scoring of sexual function and reports of improved erectile function.AIM:
This study aims to examine the effect of daily 60-minute locomotor training and exercise in general on sexual function in a rat SCI contusion model.METHODS:
Male Wistar rats received a T9 contusion SCI. Animals were randomized into 4 groups a quadrupedal stepping group (SCI + QT), a forelimb-only exercise group (SCI + FT), a non-trained harnessed group (SCI + NT), and a home cage non-trained group (SCI + HC). The 2 non-trained groups were combined (SCI) post hoc. Daily training sessions were 60 minutes in duration for 8 weeks. Urine samples were collected during bi-weekly 24-hour metabolic cage behavioral testing. Latency, numbers of penile dorsiflexion, and glans cupping were recorded during bi-weekly penile dorsiflexion reflex (PDFR) testing. Terminal electromyography (EMG) recordings of the bulbospongiosus muscle (BSM) were recorded in response to stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP).OUTCOMES:
ABT after SCI had a significant effect on PDFR, as well as BSM EMG latency and burst duration.RESULTS:
SCI causes a significant decrease in the latency to onset of PDFR. After 8 weeks of ABT, SCI + QT animals had a significantly increased latency relative to the post-SCI baseline. BSM EMG response to DNP stimulation had a significantly decreased latency and increase in average and maximum amplitude in SCI + QT animals. SCI animals had a significantly longer burst duration than trained animals. Time between PDFR events, penile dorsiflexion, glans cupping, and urine testosterone were not affected by ABT. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS ABT has a positive influence on sexual function and provides a potential therapy to enhance the efficacy of current sexual dysfunction therapies in the male SCI population. STRENGTHS ANDLIMITATIONS:
Several significant small improvements in sexual function were found in a clinically relevant rat model of SCI using a readily available rehabilitative therapy. The limited findings could reflect insensitivity of the PDFR as a measure of erectile function.CONCLUSIONS:
These results indicate that task-specific stepping and/or loading provide sensory input to the spinal cord impacting the neural circuitry responsible for sexual function. Steadman CJ, Hoey RF, Montgomery LR, et al. Activity-Based Training Alters Penile Reflex Responses in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury. J Sex Med 2019; 161143-1154.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pênis
/
Condicionamento Físico Animal
/
Traumatismos da Medula Espinal
/
Ereção Peniana
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article