The primary mediator of penile erection

The third wave of arginine research hit in the early 1990s when scientists discovered that a simple gas known as nitric oxide (NO) may be one of the most important molecules in the body. You may have heard of NO's dark side. Just 10 years ago, it was thought of only as a toxic byproduct of automobile exhaust and other sources that pollute the atmosphere, cause acid rain, and destroy the ozone layer. Although NO is indeed dangerous in high concentrations, we now know that it plays a vital role in the normal function of the body. Recent studies have confirmed that NO exercises considerable control over blood pressure, boosts immune function, kills cancer cells and microorganisms, and helps control muscular activity, balance, and coordination. Scientists also came to recognize NO as the primary mediator of penile erection [Burnett, 1992]. In 1992, Science Magazine named NO its "Molecule of the Year." One researcher, in summarizing what is known about it in The Lancet, observed that "NO research is now riding on a crest of enthusi-asm.... So far the basic research on NO has only just begun to make an impact on clinical medicine." [Anggard, 1994]. Another called work on NO one of the "hottest, most exciting things in neurobiology. Now a new kind of neurotransmitter turns out to be a gas. Good God!" [Hoffman, 1991]. What does NO have to do with sex and arginine? Quite simply, dietary arginine is the primary source of nitrogen molecules for NO. Without arginine in the diet, there would be no NO, and without NO there would be no erections. And, as will be seen below, arginine also plays a significant role in sexual function for women.

NEXT