Melanocortinergic control of penile erection |
| |
Authors: | Wessells H Blevins J E Vanderah T W |
| |
Institution: | Department of Urology, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. wessells@u.washington.edu |
| |
Abstract: | Melanocortin receptors in the forebrain and spinal cord can be activated by endogenous or synthetic ligands to induce penile erection in rats and human subjects. To better understand how melanocortin circuits play a role in sex behavior, we review the contribution of melanocortin receptors and/or neurons in the hypothalamus, hindbrain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves to erectile function. New information regarding neuropeptides that mediate penile erection has extended our understanding of the central control of sex behavior, and melanocortin agonists may provide alternatives to existing treatment for highly prevalent problems including erectile dysfunction. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 PubMed 等数据库收录! |
|