RhoA/Rho-kinase: a novel player in the regulation of penile erection.
Current research has centered around the role of nitric oxide in the stimulation of cavernosal vasodilation and erection. However, recent evidence from our lab details the importance of endogenous vasoconstrictor mechanisms in maintaining a flaccid penile state, and further demonstrates that the inhibition of endogenous vasoconstriction is sufficient to stimulate erection in a rat model. In this article, we suggest inhibition of endogenous vasoconstriction as a potential therapeutic avenue in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. We also speculate on potential physiologic mechanisms by which endogenous vasoconstriction is inhibited in order for arousal-initiated vasorelaxation, and erection, to occur.
Chitaley
K
K
Department of Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. kanchanc@umich.edu
Webb
R C
RC
Mills
T M
TM
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology*; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / Q000502:physiology*
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein