The primary neurotransmitter that mediates penile erection is the compound nitric
oxide (NO) [
1
,
2
,
3
], which is released during nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmission and from
the endothelium. Within the muscle, NO activates a guanylyl cyclase, which increases
the production of intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP). Cyclic
GMP is an intracellular second messenger that mediates smooth muscle relaxation and
activates specific protein kinases that phosphorylate specific proteins to cause an
opening of potassium channels, a closing of calcium channels, and an overall sequestration
of intracellular calcium. The decrease in intracellular calcium relaxes smooth muscle
and increases the flow of penile blood. L-arginine, an amino acid, is a precursor
to NO. It is possible that taking this precursor in a concentrated pill may alleviate
ED in some men. Large sources of dietary nonconcentrated L-arginine exist in the food
supply. Whether these sources improve ED is unknown, but they may improve cardiovascular
function [
[4]
], which in turn promotes healthy erectile or sexual function. For example, legumes,
whole grains, and nuts can provide several grams of L-arginine per day when consumed
in moderate-to-large amounts [
[5]
].To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
for the Sexual Medicine Society (SMS) Nutraceutical Committee
Footnotes
☆This article reviews popular components of the numerous dietary supplements for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
