Open AccessEmerging neuromodulatory molecules for the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury
Author(s) -
Bella Anthony J.,
Lin Guiting,
Cagiannos Ilias,
Lue Tom F.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
asian journal of andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1745-7262
pISSN - 1008-682X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00368.x
Subject(s) - glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor , medicine , erectile dysfunction , neurotrophic factors , neurotrophin , neuroprotection , neuroscience , regeneration (biology) , prostate cancer , bioinformatics , cancer , psychology , biology , receptor , microbiology and biotechnology
Advances in the neurobiology of growth factors, neural development, and prevention of cell death have resulted in a heightened clinical interest for the development of protective and regenerative neuromodulatory strategies for the cavernous nerves (CNs), as therapies for prostate cancer and other pelvic malignancies often result in neuronal damage and debilitating loss of sexual function. Nitric oxide released from the axonal end plates of these nerves within the corpora cavernosa causes relaxation of smooth muscle, initiating the haemodynamic changes of penile erection as well as contributing to maintained tumescence; the loss of CN function is primarily responsible for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) after pelvic surgery and serves as the primary target for potential neuroprotective or regenerative strategies. Evidence from pre‐clinical studies for select neuromodulatory approaches is reviewed, including neurotrophins, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factors (GDNF), bone morphogenic proteins, immunophilin ligands, erythropoetin (EPO), and stem cells.