Anthonio Research Publications (ARP): TOBACCO INDUCED PRIAPISM IN WISTER RAT: A CASE REPORT

International Journal of Herbs and Pharmacological Research IJHPR, 2013, 2(1): 1 – 5.

www.antrescentpub.com

RESEARCH PAPER:

TOBACCO INDUCED PRIAPISM IN WISTER RAT: A CASE REPORT

1Ugbor C.I., 1Eloka C.C.V., 1Okonkwo L.O., 1Ugwu M.C., 2Ogbodo L.A.

Department of 1Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma-Nigeria. 2Morbid Anatomy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author: i.chimaresearch2@gmail.com

Received: 10th November, 2012 Accepted: 10th January, 2013 Published: 31st January, 2013

ABSTRACT

In an eight-week study on the effect of potash-tobacco dust ingestion on rats, a persistent penile erection for days was observed amongst some of the rats under study. This study involved a total of 42 Wister rats of weights ranging between 150-300g and grouped into four groups (A, B, C and D). Group A served as control, while groups B – D served as test groups and received 2g, 4g, and 6g of tobacco-dust, as well as 0.4g, 0.8g, and 1.2g of potash respectively, with water given ad libitum. By the 4th week, a persistent penile erection was observed in one of the rats in group C, and by the 6th week, a similar incident occurred in group C and D respectively, prompting serial observation. By the 8 week, gangrenous changes were observed, followed by necrosis and death of the rats on the 10th day from onset. The control rats (group A), which received normal feed and water, remained normal.

Keywords: Priapism, Rat, Tobacco, Potash, Penile erection

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INTRODUCTION

Persistent penile erection, often unrelated to sexual stimulation, is a pathologic condition called Priapism (Burgu et al., 2007). Two distinct forms of Priapism have been described as ‘veno-occlusive’ and ‘arterial’. In contrast to the arterial form, erection is always painful in veno-occlusive cases. The veno-occlusive form is associated with hypoxia and therefore, can cause fibrosis of the cavernous bodies which often leads to erectile dysfunction. The arterial form however, is not considered an emergency since the functional outcome is better (Burgu et al., 2007). Generally, Priapism is a rare entity with a different etiology in humans than in animals, and may be idiopathic, drug induced, or related to some medical problems like sickle cell disease or leukemia. This case report presents an incidence of Priapism in rats subjected to potash-tobacco dust combination diet for eight weeks.