Leptin enhances nitric oxide-dependent relaxation of the clitoral corpus cavernosum

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: a review of evidence

Vibration, as provided by a genital vibrator, is commonly regarded as a tool to enhance sexual pleasure and in modern day society falls under the category of a sex toy. However, the vibrator was not originally intended to be a toy, and its benefits reach far beyond that of a plaything. This article is a narrative review of the current evidence regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual and relationship enhancement. The literature indicates that vibratory stimulation has evidence-based support for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and anorgasmia. Vibratory stimulation is positively correlated with increased sexual desire and overall sexual function. It has also shown benefit for sexual arousal difficulties and pelvic floor dysfunction. Though definitive evidence is lacking, genital vibration is a potential treatment for sexual dysfunction related to a wide variety of sexual health concerns in men and women.

Leptin modulates enteric neurotransmission in the rat proximal colon: an in vitro study

Leptin has been shown to modulate gastrointestinal functions including nutrient absorption, growth, and inflammation and to display complex effects on gut motility. Leptin receptors have also been identified within the enteric nervous system (ENS), which plays a crucial role in digestive functions. Although leptin has recently been shown to activate neurons in the ENS, the precise mechanisms involved are so far unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of leptin on rat proximal colon smooth muscle and enteric neuron activities. The effects of exogenous leptin on tone and on responses to transmural nerve stimulation (TNS) of isolated circular smooth muscle of proximal colon in rats were investigated using an organ bath technique. The effects of a physiological concentration (0.1 μM) of leptin were also studied on tone and TNS-induced relaxation in the presence of atropine, hexamethonium, L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and capsazepine. Leptin caused a slight but significant decrease in tone, TNS-induced relaxation and contraction in a concentration-dependent manner in colonic preparations. Cholinergic antagonists abolished the effects of 0.1 μM leptin on TNS-induced relaxation. This concentration of leptin had no further effect on relaxation in the presence of L-NAME. In the presence of capsazepine, leptin had no further effect either on tone or relaxation compared to the drug alone. In conclusion, leptin modulates the activity of enteric inhibitory and excitatory neurons in proximal colon. These effects may be mediated through nitrergic neurons. Intrinsic primary afferent neurons may be involved.