Evaluation of the Influence of Experimental Periodontitis on the Sexual Behaviour of Male Wistar Rats

Aim: Few studies have been reported a correlation between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction in men. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sexual behaviour of adult male rats with experimental periodontitis.

Materials and Methods: Fourteen male rats were divided into the following two groups: non-ligature, control (n = 7) and experimental with ligature (n = 7). The latter group had a ligature placed around each lower first molar for the development of experimental periodontitis. After 29 days of induction of periodontitis, the sexual behaviour of the male rats was recorded between 20:00-21:00, with lighting provided by a dim light. Initially, the males were placed in an observation cage for an adaption period of 900 seconds. After this time, a sexually receptive female was introduced into the cage with the male. On the thirtieth day the rats were sacrificed and samples of hemimandible were collected for radiographic analysis.

Results: The rats in the ligature group showed a decrease (p < 0.05) in the intrusion frequency compared with the control group and ejaculation was not observed in the ligature group during the maximum recording time. It was confirmed that periodontitis was induced in the group with ligature due to the greater distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar crest in the radiographic analysis (p <0.01).

Conclusion: Experimental periodontitis may contribute to a reduction in the sexual behaviour of male rats.