الفهرس 
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Abstract
Olfaction is one of the five main human senses that provide the ability of individual to detect health hazards such as fire or toxic fumes, as well as the ability to enjoy food. Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is associated with multiple conditions, such as depression, impaired cognition, and decreased nutrition. Furthermore, OD is also associated with a negative impact on quality of life
Sildenafil citrate (viagra), the first oral drug approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. At higher doses, sildenafil causes mild and transient visual symptoms, also several studies indicated that vardenafil is toxic to the cochlea. In addition, approximately 20% of patients treated with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, complain about nasal congestion after sildenafil administration. Higher sildenafil doses may produce decreased olfactory sensitivity.
The present study aimed to investigate the influence of long-term sildenafil administration on olfactory mucosa in a rat model. through
Healthy 45 adult male albino rats weighing, 200-250 g each, age range from 7-10 weeks were obtained from pharmaceutical Pharco Company, Cairo, Egypt. The experiment was performed in accordance with the guidelines and protocols for the usage of laboratory animals. The buried food test was done at the beginning of the study to exclude any rats with disturbed olfactory function.
The animals were equally divided into 3 groups each of 15 rats: rats in group I (control group) were given 0.5 ml distilled water orally by a gastric tube once daily/every day for 3 months.
Rats in Rats in group II (low dose sildenafil), were given sildenafil citrate orally by a gastric tube once daily/ every day at a dose of 5 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml distilled water for 3 months.