The use of gene transfer technology to study the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
The past 25 years of basic science research on erectile physiology has been devoted to investigating the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. Research has led to a better understanding of the biochemical factors and intracellular mechanisms responsible for corporal smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as the influence of endothelial-derived relaxing factors.


OBJECTIVE
In this essay, we propose the use of gene transfer technology to study mechanisms of disease involved in penile vascular dysfunction.


METHODS
The development of methods to deliver therapeutic genes to the penis has kindled a keen interest in treating ED with gene- and cell-based therapies.


RESULTS
Gene therapy has delineated putative mechanisms of disease in animal models of erectile dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Investigation of animal models using gene therapy may ultimately lead to mechanism-based therapies for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Bivalacqua
Trinity J
TJ
The Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA. tbivala1@jhmi.edu
Strong
Travis D
TD
D000818:Animals; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000502:physiology; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase