Abstract
The present study demonstrates that human corpus cavernosum tissue has the capacity to produce prostacyclin (PGI2), a vasodilator and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. The release of PGI2 was stimulated by cholinergic (muscarinic) but not adrenergic agents. Since penile erection in man is dependent upon parasympathetic stimulation, the vasodilatory action of PGI2 may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of erection.
MeSH terms
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Atropine / pharmacology
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Culture Techniques
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Epinephrine / pharmacology
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Epoprostenol / biosynthesis*
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Humans
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Male
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Methacholine Chloride
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Methacholine Compounds / pharmacology
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Parasympatholytics / pharmacology
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Parasympathomimetics / pharmacology*
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Penile Erection / drug effects
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Penis / cytology*
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Penis / drug effects
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Penis / metabolism*
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Penis / physiopathology
Substances
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Methacholine Compounds
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Parasympatholytics
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Parasympathomimetics
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Methacholine Chloride
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Atropine
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Epoprostenol
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Epinephrine