Phosphodiesterases
Synonym(s)
PDE
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Group of enzymes found in almost all tissues. Phosphodiesterases (PDE) degrade the second messengers cAMP and cGMP. They thereby influence numerous processes in the body. Phosphodiesterases respond inconsistently to certain inhibitors. In this respect, a distinction is made between different types of phosphodiesterase, which are labelled with the numbers PDE1 to PDE11. There are currently 6 different types of PDE in the human body. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors can be used to specifically influence certain metabolic processes in the body.
ClassificationThis section has been translated automatically.
- Phosphodiesterase-1: Occurrence in the heart arteries
- Phosphodiesterase-2: Involved in learning and memory processes
- Phosphodiesterase-3a: Occurrence in the myocardium
- Phosphodiesterase-3b: Involved in the formation of insulin
- phosphodiesterase-4: lung
- Phosphodiesterase-5: erectile tissue of the penis
- Phosphodiesterase-6: Transmission of light stimuli to the eye.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Various inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-3 in acute heart failure and phosphodiesterase-5 in erectile dysfunction are approved as drugs (see below phosphodiesterase inhibitors).
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
PDE-5 is found in the smooth muscles of the corpus cavernosum penis. It breaks down the second messenger cGMP there and thus leads to a tension of the muscle cells. As a result, the penis becomes flaccid, as no blood can flow into the erectile tissue. The enzyme is also found in the smooth muscle of the pulmonary artery.