Efficient quenching of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) electrogenerated chemiluminescence has been observed in the presence of phenols, catechols, hydroquinones, and benzoquinones. In most instances, quenching is observed with 100-fold excess of quencher over Ru(bpy)(3)(2+), with complete quenching observed between 1000- and 2000-fold excess. The mechanism of quenching is believed to involve energy transfer from the excited-state luminophore to benzoquinone. In the case of phenols, catechols, and hydroquinones, quenching is believed to occur via a benzoquinone derivative formed at the electrode surface. Photoluminescence and UV-visible experiments coupled with bulk electrolysis support the formation of benzoquinone products upon electrochemical oxidation.

Sexual disorders are common in women; however, the neurological basis of female sexual response has not been adequately investigated. This information is necessary to characterize the impact of various neurological disorders on sexual arousal in women and to develop appropriate management strategies for sexual dysfunction. To assess the spinal mediation of sexually stimulated genital vasocongestion in women, we conducted two laboratory‐based, controlled analyses: (1) of women's genital, subjective, and autonomic responses to audiovisual erotic and audiovisual erotic combined with manual genital stimulation; and (2) of women's ability to achieve orgasm. Subjects included 68 premenopausal women with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and 21 able‐bodied, age‐matched controls. Results indicated that preservation of sensory function in the T11‐L2 dermatomes is associated with psychogenically mediated genital vasocongestion. Less than 50% of women with SCIs were able to achieve orgasm, compared with 100% of able‐bodied women (p = 0.001). Only 17% of women with complete lower motor neuron dysfunction affecting the S2‐S5 spinal segments were able to achieve orgasm, compared with 59% of women with other levels and degrees of SCIs (p = 0.048). Time to orgasm was significantly increased in women with SCIs compared with able‐bodied controls (p = 0.049). Independent raters were unable to differentiate between subjective descriptions of orgasm from SCI women compared with controls. This information should be used when counseling women with spinal dysfunction about their sexual potential. Ann Neurol 2001;49:35–44

Thirty-eight spinal cord injured (SCI) males (median age = 26) completed an 80-item multiple choice questionnaire (median 37 months postinjury) which assessed sexual functioning pre- and post-spinal cord injury in four areas: (i) sexual activities and preferences, (ii) sexual abilities, (iii) sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, and, (iv) sexual adjustment. Frequency of sexual activity decreased following SCI with a reduction in intercourse and increased interest in alternative sexual activities. Of complete quadriplegic subjects 38% reported the ability to have an orgasm accompanied by ejaculation underscoring the need for physiological studies. Partner's desire for sex as perceived by the SCI individual was correlated with frequency of sex and numbers of sexual partners postinjury. Subject's perceptions of their own and partner's sexual desire decreased following SCI. Sexual satisfaction decreased postinjury and was positively correlated with both the patients' and their partners' interest in penile-vaginal intercourse. Of the subjects, 27% reported sexual adjustment difficulties and 74% relationship difficulties but only 22% received counseling. Results indicate the importance of the availability and desire of a sexual partner in the sexual activities and satisfaction of the SCI individual. SCI patient and staff sexual education and counseling continue to be strong needs.

No abstract