Patterns of messenger RNA expression for α1-adrenoceptor subtypes in human corpus cavernosum

Purpose: The present study evaluated the expression of alpha(1)- adrenoceptor subtypes in human corpus cavernosum. Materials and Methods: The mRNA encoding alpha(1a), alpha(1b) and alpha(1d) subtypes were assessed by RNA-directed complementary cDNA synthesis followed by Tag DNA amplification. The level of alpha(1) mRNA was calculated in arbitrary optical density units and normalized with respect to the length of the respective cDNA fragments. Results: We found that alpha(1a), alpha(1b) and alpha(1d) adrenoceptor subtypes are expressed in human corpus cavernosum, with a predominant expression of the alpha(1a) subtype. Conclusion: These results suggest that alpha(1a)-adrenoceptor subtype is important and that understanding the biochemical and functional characteristics of this subtype may lead to the development of specific antagonists in the treatment of impotence.