Local and Systemic Effects of Chronic Intracavernous Injection of Papaverine, Prostaglandin E 1 , and Saline in Primates

Abstract
To compare the local and systemic effects of chronic intracavernous injection of papaverine, prostaglandin E1, and saline on erectile tissue, eight pigtail monkeys underwent 75 injections over a nine-month period. Monkeys were divided into three groups; each group received papaverine (10 mg.), prostaglandin E1 (20 μg.), or saline (one ml.). The erectile response was closely observed for two hours after each injection to monitor the onset, degree, and duration of erection. Liver function tests were performed every three months to detect early systemic metabolic changes. After sacrifice, the simian penises were perfused in situ and examined histologically with both light and electron microscopy.