Animal models for penile erection studies

To study the various aspects of penile erection, we created two animal models: (1) a monkey model, by implanting electrodes around the cavernous nerves, and (2) a dog model, by implanting electrodes around the cavernous and pudendal nerves. The cavernous nerves, which are branches of the pelvic plexus, travel along the posterolateral aspect of the prostate to innervate the erectile tisue of the penis. Electrostimulation of the cavernous nerves in 15 dogs and three monkeys induced prolonged erection. Because the anatomy of the penis in these animals is very close to that in man they offer an excellent model for the study of penile erection.