Prostacyclin synthesis by the corpora cavernosa of the human penis: evidence for muscarinic control and pathological implications.

The present study demonstrates that human corpus cavernosum tissue has the capacity to produce prostacyclin (PGI2), a vasodilator and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. The release of PGI2 was stimulated by cholinergic (muscarinic) but not adrenergic agents. Since penile erection in man is dependent upon parasympathetic stimulation, the vasodilatory action of PGI2 may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of erection.