Role of hydrogen sulfide in the physiology of penile erection.
Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), which is a well-known toxic gas, has recently been recognized as a biological messenger that plays an important role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Relatively high levels of H(2)S have been discovered in mammalian tissues. It is mainly synthesized by 2 enzymes, including cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lysase, which utilize L-cysteine as substrate to produce H(2)S. H(2)S has been demonstrated to exhibit potent vasodilator activity both in vitro and in vivo by relaxing vascular smooth muscle. Recently, H(2)S has been discovered in penile tissue with smooth muscle relaxant effects. Furthermore, other effects of H(2)S could play a role in the physiology of erection. Understanding H(2)S in the physiology of erection might provide alternative erectile dysfunction strategies for those patients with poor or no response to type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This review intends to present the H(2)S pathway in penile tissue and the potential role of H(2)S in the physiology of erections.
Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0738, USA.
Xuefeng
X
Qiu
Jackie
J
Villalta
Guiting
G
Lin
Tom F
TF
Lue
D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects*; D010413:Penis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide