Normal and pathological erectile function: the potential clinical role of endothelin-1 antagonists.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem, particularly in older men. The production of penile erection involves an interplay between autonomic nerves and locally released vasoactive mediators. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a peptide released from endothelium in the corpus cavernosum, which causes smooth muscle contraction. Recent studies have investigated the physiological significance of ET-1 in the control of erectile function and it may play a role in detumescence. There is also much evidence to link ET-1 to risk factors for ED. ET-1 antagonists may prove beneficial in the treatment of ED and also in prevention of long term deterioration of erectile function. These antagonists may also find a role when used in combination with agents, which are established for the treatment of ED.
Khan
M A
MA
Department of Urology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, UK.
Calvert
R C
RC
Sullivan
M E
ME
Thompson
C S
CS
Mumtaz
F H
FH
Morgan
R J
RJ
Mikhailidis
D P
DP
D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077300:Bosentan; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D019332:Endothelin-1; D013449:Sulfonamides; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D000077300:Bosentan