title: Propofol's derivative: a potential drug for erectile dysfunction?
abstract: Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic agent induces priapism in humans. We hypothesize the probable central nervous system and local mechanisms through which a similar molecule can be used as a therapy in erectile dysfunction. Previous literatures published over a period of 35 years (1976-2010) were searched using the key words, mechanisms were identified and discussed. In the central nervous system, propofol has an inhibitory effect on serotonin receptors and on gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA-A) receptors as well as a facilitatory action on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) mediated calcium response and agonistic action on dopaminergic D2 receptors, which might contribute towards maintaining erections. While in the penile tissue, propofol's action may be due to increased synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), the principal mediator of penile erection. In addition, it may also have inhibitory effect on thromboxane A2, a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulatory action on penile adenosine triphosphate (ATP) dependent potassium (K-ATP) channels, a potent vasodilator. In view of the above mechanisms, use of propofol or similar molecule in erectile dysfunction needs to be ascertained and evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Medicine, Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Irungalur, Trichy, India. sweni85@gmail.com
authors.forename: Shah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sweni
authors.forename: Ramachandran
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meenakshisundaram
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Senthilkumaran
authors.forename: Ponniah
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thirumalaikolundusubramanian
mesh_terms: D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D015742:Propofol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000819:agonists; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D015221:Potassium Channels; D011453:Prostaglandins; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D002118:Calcium; D004298:Dopamine; D015742:Propofol