Melanocortin receptors and erectile function.
OBJECTIVE
Review the historical and current evidence that suggests that activation of melanocortin receptors modulates erectile activity.


METHODS
The available literature was reviewed.


RESULTS
Melanocortin peptides derived from the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor protein exert a host of diverse physiological effects in the periphery and in the CNS through interactions with one or more of the five cloned melanocortin receptors. Natural and synthetic melanocortin peptide agonists influence erectile and sexual function in a range of preclinical species. Emerging clinical evidence now suggests that the proerectile effects observed in preclinical species are evident in man as well.


CONCLUSIONS
Preclinical and clinical results support the involvement of melanocortins in the modulation of erectile and sexual function. Current evidence indicates that the melanocortin 4 receptor subtype contributes to the proerectile effects observed with pan-receptor agonists. However, the putative receptor subtypes, pathways and mechanisms implicated in mediating the proerectile effects of melanocortins remain to be fully elucidated.
Martin
William J
WJ
Department of Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 2000, Rahway, NJ, USA. william_martin@merck.com
MacIntyre
D Euan
DE
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000502:physiology; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology*; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D044101:Receptors, Melanocortin / Q000502:physiology*; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000819:agonists
D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D044101:Receptors, Melanocortin; D010121:Oxytocin; D000521:alpha-MSH