Relaxation effects of adrenomedullin in isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle

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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To clarify the pharmacological effects of adrenomedullin, a potent vasodilator and hypotensive peptide isolated from human phaeochromocytoma cells, on corpus cavernosal smooth muscle in vitro , as the intracavernosal injection of adrenomedullin induces penile erection in the anaesthetized cat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of adrenomedullin were investigated in isolated muscle strips from New Zealand rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle pre‐contracted with phenylephrine alone, in the presence of indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), Nω‐nitro l ‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and K + ‐channel blockers. RESULTS: Adrenomedullin caused relaxation of isolated pre‐contracted rabbit corpus cavernosum strips in a concentration‐dependent manner. The response of corpus cavernosum was unaffected L‐NAME, indomethacin and K + ‐channel blockers CONCLUSION: The relaxation exerted by adrenomedullin in rabbit corporal tissue may arise from the effect of the drug on its specific receptors and/or calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐1 receptors. The relaxant effect of adrenomedullin might lead to novel clinical applications for erectile dysfunction.

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