Effect of the selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor sildenafil on erectile dysfunction in the anesthetized dog.

Abstract

By inhibiting cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase type 5, sildenafil augments the neuronal mechanism responsible for penile erection. This mechanism explains the significant improvements reported in the rigidity and duration of erections seen in patients with erectile dysfunction who have been treated with oral sildenafil.