Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, an erectile neurotransmitter, improves erectile function more significantly in castrated rats than in normal rats

Abstract

• VIP improves erectile function much more significantly in hypogonadal condition, mainly due to the higher expression of VPAC2, Gs-α, and lower expression of Gi-α and PDE3A in CC of castrated rats. Androgen may negatively regulate the erectile effect of VIP.