RhoA/Rho-kinase: a novel player in the regulation of penile erection

Current research has centered around the role of nitric oxide in the stimul ation of cavernosal vasodilation and erection. However, recent evidence fro m our lab details the importance of endogenous vasoconstrictor mechanisms i n maintaining a flaccid penile state, and further demonstrates that the inh ibition of endogenous vasoconstriction is sufficient to stimulate erection in a rat model. In this article, we suggest inhibition of endogenous vasoco nstriction as a potential therapeutic avenue in the treatment of erectile d ysfunction, We also speculate on potential physiologic mechanisms by which endogenous vasoconstriction is inhibited in order for arousal-initiated vas orelaxation, and erection, to occur.