Beneficial effect of dinitrosyl iron complexes with thiol ligands on the rat penile cavernous bodies

Dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNIC) with thiol ligands were found to beneficially affect the state of the penile cavernous tissue upon its experimental denervation in rats. Histological and histochemical analysis showed that intracavernous administration of DNIC (twice weekly over six months) almost completely abolished the proliferation of endothelial cells typical of denervated cavernous tissue. On the other hand, this treatment sustained the mitotic activity of smooth myocytes and prevented the appearance of collagenase, a marker of their fibrotic transformation. The DNIC treatment had a pronounced effect on penile erection in neurotomized as well as in intact animals. Introduction of low-molecular DNIC into cavernous tissue was found to cause formation of protein-bound complexes observed by EPR and probably acting as depots of nitric oxide, ensuring steady erection.