Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that contraction of the smooth muscle in the cavernosal arterioles and in the walls of the cavernosal sinuses is maintained by the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway. However, this contraction activity must be overcome to permit the vasorelaxation essential for erection. We postulate that nitric oxide (NO) causes erection primarily by inhibiting the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway. The following will discuss evidence in support of the important role of Rho-kinase-mediated vasoconstriction in the nonerect penis and how NO overrides this Rho-kinase-mediated vasoconstriction to permit vasodilation and erection.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | S20-S24 |
Journal | International journal of impotence research |
Volume | 15 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Nitric oxide
- Penile erection
- Rho-kinase
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Urology