Abstract

Aim: The histomorphological changes in the corpora cavernosa following priapism remains an interesting observation due to its pathological and reproductive implications. We investigated the attenuating effect of testosterone and vitamin C on the corpora cavernosa induced fibrosis in priapism of rats. Methods: Twenty-five Sprague – Dawley male rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups of rats each Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 had only priapism. Group 3 was induced with priapism and then treated with vitamin C. Group 4 was induced with priapism and then treated with testosterone. Group 5 was induced with priapism but were treated with both vitamin C and testosterone. Priapism was induced for one week followed by 6 hours’ post priapism administration of testosterone and vitamin C. Results: Results showed fibrotic corpora cavernosa in all groups except the control group. Sperm parameters indicated oligospermia and reduced sperm motility especially in group 2 and 3 when compared with the control group. Conclusion: The results indicated that testosterone and vitamin C ameliorated priapism-induced ischemia – reperfusion injury at different time intervals in rats.

Key words: Priapism, Corpora cavernosa, Infertility, Testosterone, Vitamin C.