Angiotensin II signaling and its implication in erectile dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the primary effector of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Ang II exerts its diverse physiologic actions via angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptors. Recent evidence shows that tissue RAS exists in the penis, therefore indicating a significant role for Ang II in erectile function.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize the recent findings on the importance of Ang II in normal erection physiology and the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED).


METHODS
This article reviews the literature that relates to the role of RAS in the regulation of erectile function.


METHODS
Evidence in the literature on the association between Ang II and the development of ED.


RESULTS
Elevated Ang II levels contribute to the development of ED in humans and different animal models. Pharmacologic therapy interrupting RAS may be beneficial for patients with ED.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies have demonstrated that RAS is crucial in erectile function. Better understanding of the signaling pathways mediating Ang II physiologic actions will provide important information for the treatment of ED.
Jin
Li-Ming
LM
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition and Vascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. lmjin@ucdavis.edu
D000450:Aldosterone / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000378:metabolism; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases / Q000378:metabolism
D014667:Vasopressins; D000804:Angiotensin II; D000450:Aldosterone; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases