The Sound of Evolution
Vardenafil
Mechanism of action:
Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. Phosphodiesterase type 5 is the enzyme responsible for degrading cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and is especially abundant in the corpus cavernosum of the penis and in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. Vardenafil selectively inhibits this enzyme and reduces the degradation of cGMP. cGMP activates protein kinase G, which lowers intracellular calcium levels, relaxes the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum and blood vessels, and increases blood flow.
Reference(s):
1. Forstermann U et al. (2012). Nitric oxide synthases: regulation and function. Eur Heart J.
2. Jing ZC et al. (2011). Vardenafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med.