Effects of sildenafil, a type‐5 cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and papaverine on cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels in the rabbit corpus cavernosum <i>in vitro</i>

Abstract

Sildenafil specifically increases cGMP levels in rabbit corpora cavernosa; the increase is greater in the presence of SNP indicating that, in vivo, sildenafil may enhance erection by the augmentation of nitric oxide-mediated relaxation pathways. The erectogenic effect of sildenafil is mediated by a specific enhancement of cGMP accumulation in the corpus cavernosum, consistent with the known activity of sildenafil as a potent and highly selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific PDE.