Research Projects
James
S. Walter
Rehabilitation of Impotency in SCI: Receptor Studies
Synopsis: The goal of this study is to identify receptors
in human penile corporal tissue and subsequently to quantitate and
map them. This will help in the development of drugs to treat erectile
dysfunction (impotence) instead of the invasive methods used at
present. Also, it could provide a better understanding of drug interference
with erectile function which is a common factor in considering the
etiology of impotence. The functional studies of the corporal receptor
system have been directed to the adrenergic and cholinergic receptors
since they are the major control components in other organ systems.
However, there are many other receptors such as dopamine, serotonin
androgens, and acetylcholine which have not been adequately evaluated.
The identification and mapping of receptors in the brain by autoradiography
and radioligands has led to further therapeutic drug development
and to determining the toxic or detrimental effects of drugs. Also,
in any evaluation of the impotent SCI patient, medications are a
consideration for their impact on the problem. Yet, there is no
laboratory method for evaluating this so it remains a poorly studied
area. The use of the radioligand technique could give insight to
erectile dysfunction with present drugs and provide a screening
method for new ones. It would also point to the development of drugs
to enhance erectile function, which is an intense area of research
which could benefit tremendously through an expanded knowledge of
the receptors of the corporal cavernosum. In order to accomplish
the goal of identifying, mapping and quantifying the receptors,
transverse sections of the penis are required. These will be obtained
from patients undergoing penectomy for cancer.
Microstimulator Applications for Urinary Retention Following
SCI
Synopsis: The objective of this project is to study in a
female animal model electrical stimulation that could be applied
to the problem of urinary retention that can occur before or after
spinal cord injury. A model of a new type of stimulator, a microstimulator,
is being investigated. This is a small device that can be inserted
with a needle but has all of the components of large devices such
as a battery and electrodes for stimulation. We are comparing stimulation
of the bladder directly to stimulation of the plexus of nerves adjacent
to the bladder. We are using chronically instrumented animals so
that investigations can be conducted before and after SCI. We are
testing the hypothesis that stimulation of the plexus of nerves
will result in better bladder urination with less side effects such
as abdominal movement than direct bladder wall stimulation. Preliminary
observations indicate that the pelvic plexus is an effective site
for stimulation for urinary retention. Pilot funding is being provided
from the Veterans Administration for this project.
Also, make sure to peruse
our extensive roster of active clinical
trials.
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