Nitric Oxide Synthesis Leads to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Synthesis via the NO/Cyclic Guanosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate (cGMP) Pathway in Human Corpus Cavernosal Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract

CCSMCs express eNOS and synthesize NO. NO synthesis leads to enhancement of VEGF synthesis via the NO/cGMP pathway. Combined L-arg and vardenafil treatment, which can enhance VEGF production, may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as well as endothelial dysfunction in general.