Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Intracavernosal Pressure Recording to Evaluate Erectile Function in Rodents
Published on: June 6, 2018
Pharmacology of penile erection in humans
1Department of Obstetetrics and Gynecology, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital.
Abstract:
The pharmacologic aspects of erection, including neuropharmacology and erectile responses to exogenous agents, are reviewed. The pharmacology of erection is complex and still incompletely understood. Older evidence suggesting acetylcholine as the primary neurotransmitter has been shown to be insufficient. Our recent experiments utilizing strips of human corpus cavernosum indicate the need to consider the roles of other erectogenic substances, such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, endothelium-derived relaxation factor (EDRF), and prostaglandins. From the results of these studies, three stages in the development of an erection are postulated: (1) withdrawal of alpha-adrenergic neuromuscular activity, (2) inhibition of alpha-adrenergic neuromuscular activity by endogenous substances such as prostaglandin E1 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and (3) activation of NANC neurotransmission and direct relaxation of smooth muscle by endogenous substances such as EDRF.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Dose-Response Relationship: Potency and Efficacy
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

