Role of a Novel Tetrodotoxin-Resistant Sodium Channel in the Nitrergic Relaxation of Corpus Cavernosum from the South American Rattlesnake<i>Crotalus Durissus Terrificus</i>

Abstract

Rattlesnake CC relaxation is mediated by the NO-cGMP-PDE5 pathway in a manner similar to mammals. The novel TTX-resistant Na channel identified here may be responsible for the slow response of smooth muscle following nerve stimulation and could explain the extraordinary duration of snake coitus.