Changes of Apomorphine-Induced Vaginal Hemodynamics in an Ovariectomized Rat Model Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Probe

Hyeryun Jeong, Hyun Suk Lee, Myeongsu Seong, Jaewoo Baek, Kwangsung Park, Jae Gwan Kim*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) can be caused by the change in vaginal structure due to the decline of estrogen and one of the main symptoms is vaginal dryness. FSAD is a prevalent problem afflicting women all over the world and thus the interest is growing on the matter, but related studies of monitoring FSAD using a non-invasive optical method barely have been carried out. Aim: This study aims to investigate the longitudinal changes in female sexual arousal response induced by apomorphine (APO) administration in the ovariectomized rat using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probe. Methods: To elicit sexual arousal, APO was administered subcutaneously to animals (n = 6) before and after ovariectomy, and the changes in oxyhemoglobin (OHb), deoxyhemoglobin (RHb), total hemoglobin (THb) concentration, and temperature on the vaginal wall after APO administration were monitored bi-weekly for 8 weeks. Furthermore, estradiol hormone, vaginal secretion, and body weight have been measured for comparison with the results from vaginal hemodynamics. Results: APO administration caused the increase of vaginal OHb and RHb concentration but a decrease in temperature. The amplitude of OHb, RHb, and THb increase induced by APO gradually decreased over 8 weeks after ovariectomy while the decrease in vaginal temperature became profound. The level of estradiol and vaginal secretions also decreased over 8 weeks after ovariectomy, but bodyweight showed an increasing trend. Conclusions: A comparison between the parameters measured from the NIRS probe and the others (estradiol level, amount of vaginal secretion, and body weight) proved that the NIRS has the potential as a monitoring tool to evaluate female sexual arousal response. Jeong H, Lee HS, Seong M, et al. Changes of Apomorphine-Induced Vaginal Hemodynamics in an Ovariectomized Rat Model Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Probe. J Sex Med 2021;18:1328–1336.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1328-1336
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Sexual Medicine
Volume18
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Apomorphine-induced sexual arousal
  • Female sexual arousal disorder
  • Menopause animal model
  • Near-infrared spectroscopy
  • Vaginal hemodynamics

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