cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 is an enzyme (EC 3.1.4.17) from the phosphodiesterase class. It is found in various tissues, most prominently the corpus cavernosum and the retina.
The phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes, found in several tissues including the rod and cone photoreceptor cells of the retina, belong to a large family of cyclic nucleotide PDEs that catalyze cAMP and cGMP hydrolysis.
The interest in PDEs as molecular targets of drug action has grown with the development of isozyme-selective PDE inhibitors that offer potent inhibition of selected isozymes without the side-effects attributed to nonselective inhibitors such as theophylline.
Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil are PDE5 inhibitors that are significantly more potent and selective than zaprinast and other early PDE5 inhibitors.
Read more about CGMP-specific Phosphodiesterase Type 5: Action of PDE5, PDE5-inhibiting Drugs
Famous quotes containing the word type:
“It is not true that there is dignity in all work. Some jobs are definitely better than others.... People who have good jobs are happy, rich, and well dressed. People who have bad jobs are unhappy, poor and use meat extenders. Those who seek dignity in the type of work that compels them to help hamburgers are certain to be disappointed.”
—Fran Lebowitz (b. 1950)