Sildenafil inhibits the formation of superoxide and the expression of gp47 ^phox NAD[P]H oxidase induced by the thromboxane A2 mimetic, U46619, in corpus cavernosal smooth muscle cells

Abstract

Sildenafil is a potent inhibitor of superoxide formation in CVSMCs. This effect is mediated through the inhibition of PDE-5 which in turn augments the inhibitory action of the NO-cGMP axis on NAD[P]H oxidase expression and activity. This mechanism constitutes a new pharmacological action of sildenafil, consolidates the potential role of superoxide in ED, and indicates that thromboxane A(2) may be an important mediator of intrapenile oxidative stress.