Nitric oxide: A physiologic mediator of penile erection

Arthur L. Burnett, Charles J. Lowenstein, David S. Bredt, Thomas S.K. Chang, Solomon H. Snyder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1032 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a cytotoxic agent of macrophages, a messenger molecule of neurons, and a vasodilator produced by endothelial cells. NO synthase, the synthetic enzyme for NO, was localized to rat penile neurons innervating the corpora cavernosa and to neuronal plexuses in the adventitial layer of penile arteries. Small doses of NO synthase inhibitors abolished electrophysiologically induced penile erections. These results establish NO as a physiologic mediator of erectile function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)401-403
Number of pages3
JournalScience
Volume257
Issue number5068
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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