Recent research progress in inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5, a new kind of anti-male erectile dysfunction agent

Male erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common clinical sexual dysfunction.Phosphodiesterases type 5(PDE5) is one of phosphodiesterases families that are particularly abundant in smooth muscle and blood platelet.Taking the PDE5 inhibitors raises the level of cGMP,induces dilation of smooth muscle,so that cures the male ED.Besides the sildenafil,there are also some other kinds of compounds that can inhibit PDE5. Maybe they will become selective and effective anti impotence drugs.In this paper,research progress in PDE5 inhibitors was reviewed.