Stimulation of The Nitric Oxide–Guanosine 3′, 5′-Cyclic Monophosphate Pathway by Sildenafil: Effect on Rectal Muscle Tone, Distensibility, and Perception in Health and in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Stimulation of the NO-cGMP pathway decreases rectal tone but does not influence rectal distensibility. Relaxation of the rectum is accompanied by an increase in rectal volumes to reach perception thresholds in healthy subjects and in patients with IBS, but no direct effect on rectal perception can be demonstrated.