Tobacco Induced Priapism in Wister Rat: A Case Report

Abstract

In an eight-week study on the effect of potash-tobacco dust ingestion on rats, a persistent penile erection for days was observed amongst some of the rats under study. This study involved a total of 42 Wister rats of weights ranging
between 150-300g and grouped into four groups (A, B, C and D). Group A served as control, while groups B – D
served as test groups and received 2g, 4g, and 6g of tobacco-dust, as well as 0.4g, 0.8g, and 1.2g of potash respectively, with water given ad libitum. By the 4^th week, a persistent penile erection was observed in one of the rats in group C, and by the 6^th week, a similar incident occurred in group C and D respectively, prompting serial observation. By the 8 week, gangrenous changes were observed, followed by necrosis and death of the rats on the 10^th day from onset. The control rats (group A), which received normal feed and water, remained normal.

Keywords: Priapism, Rat, Tobacco, Potash, Penile erection