BIO

Kaylee Parizo is a 2nd-year student at Florida State University from Miami, Florida. She is majoring in criminology and biochemistry. After undergraduate school, she plans on going to graduate school and eventually pursuing a career in forensic science.

Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Corpus Cavernosum Function following Testosterone Deprivation​

Abstract

Testosterone plays a major role in penile structure and function. As men age, many experience a decrease in testosterone production, which correlates to an increase in Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual performance.4 It is often associated with other underlying health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is the inability of the testes in producing testosterone.4 Research has found that lowered levels of testosterone can lead to an increase in oxidative stress which then decreases nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels.1,2 These two are important gasotransmitters that mediate relaxation. Current research has shown H2S has vasorelaxant properties and its production is stimulated by testosterone.2 However, there is no evidence of its effects on ED in a model deprived of testosterone.Our research project aims to assess penile function following treatment with two H2S-enriched diets in mice deprived of testosterone via castration. Function will be measured through myograph experiments with various dilators and constrictors. We hypothesize that H2S treatment in mice deprived of testosterone will experience more relaxation and less constriction than the non-treated castrated group.

Keywords: testosterone, endothelial function, Hydrogen sulfide