Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of Citropsis articulata on the Levels of cAMP and cGMP – Dependent Protein Kinase-I in Penile Tissue of New Zealand White Male Rabbits
Background: The aqueous root extract of Citropsis articulata (C. articulata) has been shown to increase serum testosterone levels and intromission frequency. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of aqueous root extract of C. articulata on the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) – dependent protein kinase -I in penile tissues of New Zealand white male rabbits. Materials and Methods: The roots of C. articulata were picked from the wild and the aqueous extract was obtained. Adult New Zealand male white rabbits were immobilized by cervical dislocation and their spinal cord incised and the penile corpora cavernosa removed. Corpora cavernosa tissues were incubated with the extract or control drugs for 40 minutes at 37°C with continuous bubbling of oxygen (95%) and carbon dioxide (5%). Tissue levels of cAMP and cGMP – dependent protein kinase-I in the penile tissues were determined using ELISA method. Results: The aqueous root extract of C. articulata caused a significant (P< 0.05) increase in penile tissue levels of cGMP and cAMP dependent protein kinase-I when compared with the baseline control. Conclusion: The elevated levels of cAMP and cGMP–dependent protein kinase-I in penile tissues by the extract may be adduced to the presence of secondary metabolites in C. articulata root, which may act either singly or synergistically.Â