(081) Comparing the Contributions of Nitric Oxide and Estrogen to Methamphetamine-Induced Alterations of Vaginal Blood Flow in Rats

Abstract Introduction Vaginal dryness is a frequent complaint, especially in post-menopausal women. The physiology underlying the production of vaginal lubrication response to arousing stimuli established; however, no current pharmacological agents successfully target mechanisms utilizing this physiology. Previous research from our lab has demonstrated that female methamphetamine (meth) users experience excessive immediately following an intravenous injection methamphetamine, and we have recapitulated anesthetized rodent model. We also found lubrication, as well blood flow increased by meth, are heavily nitric oxide dependent. Objective purpose study determine if correlates with alterations dependent upon oxide, estrogen, or both. Methods Adult Wistar rats were implanted chronic indwelling jugular catheters allowed at least one week recover surgery. Rats isoflurane gas intravenously infused meth saline via catheter. flow, measured using Periflux System 5000 small laser probe inserted 5-10 mm into canal, was continuously recorded before for twenty minutes drug administration. After establishing meth-induced pre-treated L-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), synthase inhibitor fulvestrant, estrogen receptor antagonist, followed administration same procedure measuring contribution estrogen. Results Meth increases decrease perfusion, which characteristic induces such profound sympathetic activation. L-NAME reduced predict fulvestrant will be less effective. Conclusions Nitric molecules critical lubrication. important vasodilation cascade leading transudate, contributes Estrogen signaling likely thus, but not substantially making better potential those suffering dryness. Disclosure Any authors act consultant, employee shareholder industry for: Embera NeuroTherapeutics & JanOne, both affiliations unrelated