Gaseous signal molecule hydrogen sulfide and penile erection

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide is the third gaseous signal molecule after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide;it is synthesized through cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-cleavage pathway.Hydrogen sulfide can directly react with the KATP channel,reduce extracellular Ca2+ influx,and work together with testosterone,nitric oxide,carbon monoxide,relaxing corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and improving diastolic function of blood vessels.It can also inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation,promote apoptosis,and improve vascular remodeling.Therefore,in-depth study of H2S in the regulating penile erection can provide a new way for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.