Prostaglandin 15-hydroxydehydrogenase activity in human penile corpora cavernosa and its significance in prostaglandin-mediated penile erection

Abstract

Prostaglandins may be involved in human penile erection and erectile failure. To evaluate the possible role of prostaglandin metabolism in the penile tissue, the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent prostaglandin 15-hydroxydehydrogenase was assayed in the corpora cavernosa of the human penis. Km values (mean ± SD) of the enzyme for PGE 1, PGE 2 and PGF(2α) were 60.1 ± 4.2, 17.7 ± 1.5 and 16.1 ± 1.2 μM respectively; Vmax values (mean ± SD) were 0.219 ± 0.062, 0.510 ± 0.012 and 0.424 ± 0.007 nmol/min/mg protein respectively. The implications of these findings in the erectile process are discussed.