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Mecanismes des phases de l’erection

Mechanisms of the erection phases

Andrologie volume 2, pages 28–29 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

The erectile phenomenon is scientifically described since the early 19 th century. During the last 10 years, new methodologies in experimental and clinical approaches added further details to our knowledge on the erectile process. Postaganglionic parasympathetic neurotransmitters as Acetyl-Choline, Vasoactive-Intestinal-Polypeptide or Calcitonine — Gene — Related — Peptide are identified; their information reaches the cavernous smooth muscle cells indirectly via the endothelium, mediated by Endothelium Derived Relaxing Factor. Sympathetic neurotransmitters as Norepinephrine seem to influence the smooth muscle cell directly, but recent studies suggest a role for endothelin, an endothelium derived contracting substance. The neurogenic information reaches the cavernous bodies probably via pace maker-cells that are connected with the other smooth muscle cells by gap junction. The balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic influences determines the state of erection.

Resume

Le phénomène de l’érection a été étudié de façon scientifique depuis le début du 19ème siècle. Au cours des 10 dernières années, de nouvelles méthodes d’étude clinique et expérimentale ont ajouté de nouveaux détails à nos connaissances. Les neurotransmetteurs parasympathiques post-ganglionnaires (Acethylcholine, Vasoactive-Intestinal-Polypeptide, Calcitonine-Gene-Related-Peptide) ont été identifiés. Leurs informations atteignent les cellules musculaires lisses indirectement, via l’endothelium, médiées par l’Endothelium-Derived-Relaxing Factor. Les neurotransmetteurs sympathiques tels que la noradrénaline semblent influencer la cellule musculaire lisse directement, mais des études récentes suggèrent un rôle à l’endothéline, une substance contractante d’origine endothéliale. L’information neurogène atteint probablement les corps caverneux par l’intermédiaire de cellules de type pacemaker, connectées avec les autres cellules musculaires lisses par des “gap-junctions”. L’équilibre entre les influences parasympathique et sympathique détermine le stade de l’érection.

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  1. Département d’Urologie, MHH, D 3000, Hannovre 61, Allemagne

    C. G. Stief

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Stief, C.G. Mecanismes des phases de l’erection. Androl. 2, 28–29 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03034592

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Basic and Clinical Andrology

ISSN: 2051-4190