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MAP kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) and serine/threonine specific protein kinase Akt/PKB expression and activity in the human corpus cavernosum

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 14, pages 217–225 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator in the cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation that causes erections. The purpose of this study was to examine the existence, distribution and phosphorylation stage of two recently discovered key enzymes for NO regulation in human cavernosal tissue, the MAP Kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) and the serine/threonine specific protein kinase Akt/PKB. The expression of the enzymes was examined in corpus cavernosum specimens taken from both potent men and from patients with long-term impotence. There was a distinct difference in the activation stage of the MAP Kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) between endothelium and smooth muscle cells in potent patients. This finding gives evidence for a cell-type-specific regulation of the eNOS-dependent NO release. Furthermore, we found a higher basal level of active MAP Kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) in impotent patients. This finding gives the first evidence for an inhibitory influence of MAP Kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) on cavernosal eNOS activity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University Medical Centre of Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    F Sommer, T Klotz & U Engelmann

  2. Institute I of Anatomy, University Medical Centre of Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    D Steinritz, A Schmidt, K Addicks & W Bloch

Authors
  1. F Sommer
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  2. T Klotz
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  3. D Steinritz
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  4. A Schmidt
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  5. K Addicks
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  6. U Engelmann
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  7. W Bloch
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Correspondence to F Sommer.

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Sommer, F., Klotz, T., Steinritz, D. et al. MAP kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) and serine/threonine specific protein kinase Akt/PKB expression and activity in the human corpus cavernosum. Int J Impot Res 14, 217–225 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900856

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900856

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