Here’s the most recent 2010 histological animal study regarding possible mechanisms of vacuum pumping therapy:
Molecular Mechanisms of Vacuum Therapy in Penile Rehabilitation: A Novel Animal Study
Erectile function was improved with Vacuum erection device (VED) therapy measured by ICP/MAP ratios and AUC(Area under curve). VED therapy reduced HIF-1a expression and AI (apoptotic indices) significantly compared with control. Animals exposed to VED therapy had decreased TGF-b1 expression, increased smooth muscle/collagen ratios, and preserved ASMA (a-smooth muscle actin) and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first scientific study to suggest that VED therapy in the BCNC rat model preserves EF through antihypoxic, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic mechanisms.
Abstract
http://www.ncbi … pubmed/20674151
Full pdf
http://european-urology.com/article/S0302-2838(10)00657-3/pdf/Molecular+Mechanisms+of+Vacuum+Therapy+in+Penile+R ehabilitation%3A+A+Novel+Animal+Study
I’ll bet you’re wondering what kind of therapy they used in the study.
"5 min., twice daily, with a 1 min. interval, Monday - Friday, total VED treatment time: 4 wk."
(They compare four weeks in rats to two years in humans.)
Another interesting quote from the article:
"Therefore, we believe there is increased oxygenation of the penis when VED is applied. Daily VED-induced tissue
oxygenation overcomes RP-induced hypoxia in a consistently flaccid penis, which is lack of spontaneous erection
and nocturnal tumescence. Nocturnal erections have been implicated in preserving normal erectile function by
providing regular tissue oxygenation. The partial oxygenation of VED imitates the nocturnal erection and
provides the penis with regular partial oxygenation. Our data showed that with regular partial oxygenation, the
apoptosis of penile tissue was partially reversed. "
Note that this is their belief; they go on to say that they would have liked to measure oxygen levels more directly and to figure out what the optimum vacuum level would be for best oxygenation.
And, by the way, this sounds like it supports Avocet’s pumping protocol for ED:
Vacuum Pumping when you have ED; the short version, according to Avocet8
It also suggests to me that if you engage in PE and overdo to the point that your nocturnal erections decrease compared to your pre-PE baseline, you may not be doing yourself any favors.
