Topical Glyceryltrinitrate Causes Measurable Penile Arterial Dilation in Impotent Men

Abstract

The current understanding of the intracavernous changes that cause or accompany penile erections has encouraged the use of vasodilators as therapy for erectile dysfunction. An established vasodilator, glyceryltrinitrate, was selected for in vivo study because of its rapid transdermal absorption. Color coded duplex ultrasound was used to assess penile vascular response. In a large group of men with erectile dysfunction significant dilation was noted in response to a small amount of nitroglycerine paste applied to the penis. There is a measurable vasodilatory response that can be induced by synthetic nitrates in penile tissue in impotent men.