Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec) Induces Human Corpus Cavernosum Relaxation by Inhibiting Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs): Identification of New RTK Targets

Imatinib caused HCC smooth muscle relaxation in vitro mediated by nitric oxide/guanosine monophosphate signaling, involving the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-channels (BK(Ca)) or by inhibiting the upregulated PTK pathway. These results suggest that imatinib may also benefit erectile dysfunction patients who are not responsive to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.