Angiotensin II Signaling and Its Implication in Erectile Dysfunction

• Published in: Journal of sexual medicine 2009-03, Vol.6 (S3), p.302-310
• Main Author: Jin, Li‐Ming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aldosterone - biosynthesis; Angiotensin; Angiotensin II - metabolism; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular - enzymology; Erectile Dysfunction; Erectile Dysfunction - enzymology; Erectile Dysfunction - metabolism; Erectile Function; Humans; Male; Muscle, Smooth - metabolism; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase - metabolism; Penis - blood supply; Penis - metabolism; Renin-Angiotensin System; Renin-Angiotensin System - physiology; rho-Associated Kinases - metabolism; Rho-Kinase; Signal Transduction - physiology; Sympathetic Nervous System - metabolism; Vasoconstriction - physiology; Vasopressins - biosynthesis
• ISSN: 1743-6095; 1743-6109
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01188.x

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the primary effector of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Ang II exerts its diverse physiologic actions via angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptors. Recent evidence shows that tissue RAS exists in the penis, therefore indicating a significant role for Ang II in erectile function. To summarize the recent findings on the importance of Ang II in normal erection physiology and the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). This article reviews the literature that relates to the role of RAS in the regulation of erectile function. Evidence in the literature on the association between Ang II and the development of ED. Elevated Ang II levels contribute to the development of ED in humans and different animal models. Pharmacologic therapy interrupting RAS may be beneficial for patients with ED. Studies have demonstrated that RAS is crucial in erectile function. Better understanding of the signaling pathways mediating Ang II physiologic actions will provide important information for the treatment of ED. Jin LM. Angiotensin II signaling and its implication in erectile dysfunction.