Optimizing Nitric Oxide Production by Time Dependent L-Arginine Administration in Isolated Human Corpus Cavernosum

Abstract

These observations demonstrate that L-arginine induces slow and prolonged relaxation of human corpus cavernosum. This may occur by restoring the endogenous amino acid pool for nitric oxide synthesis and by nitric oxide-soluble guanylyl cyclase-protein kinase G signaling involving the activation of KCa channels or by inhibiting the up-regulated RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway. The use of sildenafil combined with L-arginine further facilitates erections and it may benefit men with more severe erectile dysfunction.