Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity evaluation in men with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Men with epilepsy appear to have an approximately fivefold increase in risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). We attempted to determine whether ED in men with epilepsy was due to a physiological basis and whether erectile function could be adequately evaluated with an ambulatory nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitor. METHODS: The physiologic integrity of the sexual response in men with epilepsy and ED was assessed with an ambulatory nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitor (NPTR). Six men with localization-related epilepsy of temporal lobe origin (TLE) and ED, 2 men with TLE and normal sexual function, and 1 man with nonepileptic seizures (NES) and ED underwent evaluation of nocturnal erections for at least 2 nights. RESULTS: Five of 6 men with TLE and complaints of ED had abnormal ambulatory NPTR evaluations. All others had normal ambulatory NPTR. All abnormal evaluations showed reduced levels of rigidity, often with normal levels of tumescence. CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies have shown this abnormal ambulatory NPTR pattern to be associated with neurogenic rather than vasogenic ED. Therefore, epilepsy-related ED may have a substantial neurophysiologic component.

Self-reported sexual function and sexual arousability in women with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Women with epilepsy are at risk for sexual dysfunction but the frequency and types of dysfunction have not been well characterized. METHODS: Self-reported sexual function was evaluated in 116 women aged 18-65 years with epilepsy and no concomitant medical or psychiatric illness, including 99 with localization-related epilepsy (LRE) and 17 with primary generalized epilepsy (PGE). Variables evaluated included seizure frequency, age of seizure onset, and antiepileptic drug (AED) exposure. Standardized inventories assessed sexual functioning, sexual arousability and anxiety, sexual behavior, and depression. RESULTS: Although sexual experience was not reduced, women with PGE and LRE reported significantly less sexual arousability and women with LRE reported significantly more sexual anxiety. Women with LRE experienced significantly more dyspareunia, vaginismus, arousal insufficiency, and sexual dissatisfaction, whereas women with PGE experienced anorgasmia and sexual dissatisfaction. Sexual symptoms were not associated with seizure frequency, AED exposure, sexual experience, depression, or prepubertal seizure onset. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to subjects of previous research, the women in our study did not have a disorder of sexual desire, but more than one third experienced disorders of sexual arousal, implying a physiological deficit. Although the etiology for these arousal phase dysfunctions has not been defined, such conditions are treatable and warrant referral to a gynecologist versed in the treatment of sexual disorders.

[Effect of talinolol on the activity of the mixed-function oxidases of rat liver]. / Untersuchungen über die Wirkung von Talinolol auf die Aktivität der mischfunktionellen Oxidasen der Rattenleber.

Experiments with male rats were performed to compare the in vitro and in vivo effects of talinolol with those of propranolol, alprenolol, practolol, proadifen (SKF 525-A) and barbital. Three in vitro model reactions (amino-phenazone N-demethylation, p-nitroanisol O-demethylation and aniline hydroxylation) as well as the hexobarbital lateral-position time served as parameters. The results obtained show that talinolol, like the other beta-receptor blockers, can inhibit polyfunctional oxidases. There were no indications of an inductive action.

[Peritoneal dialysis therapy in psoriasis]. / Peritonealdialysebehandlung bei Psoriasis vulgaris.

Report about three patients suffering from psoriasis vulgaris, who were not responsive to common dermatological treatment for many years. After peritoneal dialysis the psoriasis cleared and has not recurred for three to six months. Immunological investigations before and after peritoneal dialysis showed an increasing number of E-rosettes and a decrease of the concentration of soluble immune complexes of the serum.

[Leukocyte migration inhibition test in skin chamber--an in-vivo method]. / Leukozyten-Migrations-Hemmtest in der Hautkammer--eine In-vivo-Methode

For the demonstration of a cell-mediated sensitisation, tuberculin allergics, chromate allergics, penicillin allergics, and controls were investigated. The method used was the measurement of leukocyte migration inhibition in a Teflon skin chamber with and without addition of antigen, which approaches to testing under in vivo conditions. In 10 of 11 tuberculin allergics, 6 of 7 chromate allergics, and 7 penicillin allergics, a clear inhibition of leucocyte migration after addition of antigen could be observed (maximum 16 h after addition of antigen). In 16 unsensitised controls no significant migration inhibition appeared. Possible advantages of this method over in vitro methods and intracutaneous tests are discussed.