Nitric oxide: a physiologic mediator of penile erection.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a cytotoxic agent of macrophages, a messenger molecule of neurons, and a vasodilator produced by endothelial cells. NO synthase, the synthetic enzyme for NO, was localized to rat penile neurons innervating the corpora cavernosa and to neuronal plexuses in the adventitial layer of penile arteries. Small doses of NO synthase inhibitors abolished electrophysiologically induced penile erections. These results establish NO as a physiologic mediator of erectile function.
Burnett
A L
AL
Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Lowenstein
C J
CJ
Bredt
D S
DS
Chang
T S
TS
Snyder
S H
SH
D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D019335:Nitroarginine; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010413:Penis / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D014521:Urethra / Q000378:metabolism
D019335:Nitroarginine; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D001120:Arginine; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases