The present invention involves the novel use of H.sub.2 and H.sub.3 agonists, as erectogenic agents in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunction in an animal, including humans. The H.sub.2 and H.sub.3 agonists may be administered by intracavernousm injection, topically, transdermally, or intraurethrally. The method of use may also include a second therapeutic agent which either facilitates, potentiates or is erectogenic. The second agent may be administered sequentially or contemporaneously with either the H.sub.2 or H.sub.3 agonist.
The invention provides a method for reducing cardiac dysfunctions in a human. The method comprises administration to the human of an effective amount of a selective histamine H.sub.3 Receptor agonist. In one embodiment, the method comprises limiting the accumulation of intracellular sodium (Na.sub.i) by inhibiting the Na.sup.+ /H.sup.+ exchanger activity in the human having a cardiac dysfunction, or a predisposition to a cardiac dysfunction. In another embodiment the method comprises inhibiting the N-type Ca.sup.2+ channel to modulate the concentration of intracellular calcium. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition that includes a selective histamine H.sub.3 Receptor agonist with a pharmaceutical carrier.
Therapeutic formulations and methods for treating erectile dysfunction with a misoprostol compound in a subject are provided, a method comprising: obtaining a therapeutic formulation having an effective dose of a misoprostol compound in an excipient carrier; and applying the therapeutic formulation topically to the subject.
The invention describes compositions and kits comprising 4-aza-4-(2-methyl-2-sulfanylpropyl) tricyclo(5.2.1.0<2,6>)dec-8-ene-3,5-dione; 4-aza-4-(2-methyl-2-(nitrosothio)propyl) tricyclo(5.2.1.0<2,6>)dec-8-ene-3,5-dione; 4-{1-methyl-1-((2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methylthio)ethyl}-1,3-oxazolidin-2- -one; 2-aAmino-3-methyl-3-((2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methylthio)butan-1-ol; 4-(1-methyl-1-(nitrosothio)ethyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compositions of the invention can further comprise at least one penetration enhancer, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one vasoactive agent.
The present invention describes rapid noninvasive methods for measuring vasodilation or changes in blood flow in a patient following administration of at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one vasoactive agent. The method comprises the administration of at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one vasoactive agent to the patient followed by monitoring the temperature change of an area of interest using infrared thermography. The present invention provides methods for diagnosing diseases or disorders related to vasodilation and changes in blood flow, such as, sexual dysfunction, Raynaud's syndrome, inflammation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders and central nervous system disorders. The sexual dysfunction is preferably female sexual dysfunction and female sexual arousal. The vasoactive agents include potassium channel activators, calcium channel blockers, .alpha.-adrenergic receptor antagonists, .beta.-blockers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adenosine, ergot alkaloids, vasoactive intestinal peptides, prostaglandins, dopamine agonists, opioid antagonists, endothelin antagonists and thromboxane inhibitors. The present invention can also be used to screen and identify drug candidates for treating diseases, disorders and conditions resulting from vasodilation or changes in blood flow. The present invention also describes compositions comprising at least one S-nitrosothiol compound for diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating female sexual dysfunctions.
