New insights into the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease-associated priapism

Abstract

Introduction: Priapism is defined as an erectile disorder, in which erection persists uncontrollably without sexual purpose. The precise mechanisms involved in the development of sickle cell disease-associated priapism are ill defined.

Aim: To summarize the recent developments that increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of priapism.

Methods: This article reviews the literature (Medline search 2000-2010) that relates the key molecular signaling pathways that contribute to the development of priapism associated with sickle-cell disease. It focuses on basic science investigations using multiple animal models.

Main outcome measures: The reader will be informed of the most current research regarding the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), adenosine, RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK), and opiorphins in the pathophysiology of priapism.

Results: New concepts in the field of priapism research suggest that priapism often results from altered vascular homeostatic actions in the penis and is associated with deficient erection control mechanisms on a molecular level. A leading proposal in this regard is the notion of aberrant signaling of the endothelium-derived nitric oxide and PDE5 signal transduction pathway in the penis. Additionally, dysfunctional regulatory control of signal transduction systems which interact with this pathway such as adenosine and RhoA/Rho-kinase may contribute to the development of priapism. Recent investigations of opiorphins also demonstrate a role in regulating corporal smooth muscle tone and thereby dysregulation of erection physiology in priapism. These advances have paved the way for understanding this disorder as having a molecular pathogenesis.

Conclusions: As the science underlying priapism further emerges, increasingly effective therapeutics for sickle cell disease-associated priapism is certain to follow.