Local control of penile erection. Nerves, smooth muscle, and endothelium.

Abstract

This article reviews the state of knowledge on the neurologic and non-neurologic mechanisms that control the tone of the corpus cavernosum trabecular smooth muscle and the smooth muscles of penile arteries and veins. It includes discussion of the role of the adrenergic, the cholinergic, and the nonadrenergic noncholinergic neuroeffector systems as well as the potential role of the vascular endothelium and prostaglandins in the control of penile erection.