A novel mouse model for assessment of male sexual function.

A novel model to evaluate erectile, ejaculatory, and sexual behavior patterns in conscious mouse is presented. Corpus spongiosum of the penis (CSP) pressure was recorded by using telemetry and was correlated with erectile activity (penile elongations, cups, flips) during reflex induction and spontaneous erections in freely moving mice. CSP pressure was also recorded during mating tests (mounts, intromissions with erections, ejaculations), as well as non-contact tests with estrous female mice. Erectile events were quantified in four sexual contexts (spontaneous erections, spinal reflexes, in mating and non-contact tests). The data demonstrate that CSP pressure monitoring is a valid technique for assessment of sexual function in freely moving mice.