Traish Abdulmaged M
Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Sexual Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Biomedical Research, 700 Albany St, W607, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
J Androl. 2009 Jul-Aug;30(4):363-9. doi: 10.2164/jandrol.108.006007. Epub 2008 Sep 18.
Androgens are essential for development, growth, and maintenance of penile structure, and regulate erectile physiology by multiple mechanisms. Here we provide a concise overview of the basic research findings pertaining to androgen modulation of erectile tissue architecture and physiology. A significant body of evidence exists pointing to a critical role of androgens in erectile physiology. Studies in animal models have provided fundamental knowledge on the role of androgens in modulating tissue architecture and cellular, molecular, and physiological mechanisms. Based on data from our laboratory and those reported by others, we believe that androgens play a pivotal role in maintaining the structure and function of the peripheral penile nerve network, the structural integrity of the corpora cavernosa, the tunica albuginea, and the endothelium of the cavernous spaces. Further, androgens play an important role in regulating the differentiation of precursor cells into trabecular smooth muscle. In this review, we will focus our discussion on findings pertaining to the role of androgens in regulating penile tissue architectural elements in modulating penile function. This knowledge has a profound impact on the potential use of androgens in the clinical setting to treat patients with erectile dysfunction.
雄激素对于阴茎结构的发育、生长和维持至关重要，并通过多种机制调节勃起生理。在此，我们简要概述与雄激素对勃起组织结构和生理调节相关的基础研究结果。大量证据表明雄激素在勃起生理中起关键作用。动物模型研究为雄激素在调节组织结构以及细胞、分子和生理机制方面的作用提供了基础知识。基于我们实验室的数据以及其他研究报告的数据，我们认为雄激素在维持阴茎外周神经网络的结构和功能、海绵体白膜和海绵窦内皮的结构完整性方面发挥着关键作用。此外，雄激素在调节前体细胞分化为小梁平滑肌方面也起着重要作用。在本综述中，我们将重点讨论与雄激素在调节阴茎组织结构成分以调节阴茎功能方面的作用相关的研究结果。这些知识对于雄激素在临床环境中治疗勃起功能障碍患者的潜在应用具有深远影响。
