The role of prostaglandins in penile erection.
The balance of penile smooth muscle tone is finely controlled, with contractile factors acting in opposition to relaxant factors. The principal agents in this process are undoubtedly noradrenaline and nitric oxide. Prostaglandins probably have a crucial role in the 'fine tuning' of corporal smooth muscle tone. Their effects on control mechanisms in the healthy penis are more likely to be modulatory rather than direct.
Minhas
S
S
Pyrah Department of Urology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
Cartledge
J
J
Eardley
I
I
D004727:Endothelium / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology*; D010413:Penis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011453:Prostaglandins