Apomorphine-induced brain modulation during sexual stimulation: a new look at central phenomena related to erectile dysfunction

Int J Impot Res. 2003 Jun;15(3):203-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3900999.

Abstract

It is well recognized that sexual stimulation leading to penile erection is controlled by different areas in the brain. Animal erection studies have shown that apomorphine (a D2>D1 dopamine receptors nonselective agonist) seems to act on neurons located within the paraventricular nucleus and the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus. Yet, only recently, was a centrally acting agent, apomorphine sublingual, approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging placebo-controlled study presents the first in vivo demonstration of the apomorphine-induced modulation of cortical and subcortical brain structures in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Noteworthy, patients in comparison with potent controls, showed an increased activity in frontal limbic areas that was downregulated by apomorphine. This suggests that psychogenic impotence may be associated with previously unrecognized underlying functional abnormalities of the brain.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apomorphine / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Coitus*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnosis
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / physiopathology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / psychology
  • Frontal Lobe / drug effects
  • Frontal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Limbic System / drug effects
  • Limbic System / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Placebos
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / complications*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / diagnosis

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Placebos
  • Apomorphine