Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Physiology: A Role for Sex Hormones?

The proper functioning of the CCSM is necessary for the normal erectile process. As outlined in this article, there are many molecular mechanisms that function at the level of the SM and are capable of regulating CCSM contractility. These mechanisms include phosphorylation of the SMM, alteration of SMM isoform composition, and modulations in the expression of participants involved in the recently emerging calcium sensitization pathways of SM contraction, including the ET/ROK pathway. Understanding these molecular control mechanisms as well as the influence that hormones have on these pathways should provide new and novel targets for drug development to treat ED.