Phenotype-specific down-regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pelvic ganglia of castrated rats: Implications for neurogenic erectile dysfunction

► First discovery of a functional mechanism underlying neurogenic erectile dysfunction. ► Androgen deprivation causes neurogenic erectile dysfunction in rats. ► Castration down-regulates nicotinic Ach receptors in pelvic ganglia of rats. ► The reduced nicotinic currents are seen only in parasympathetic penile neurons. ► The phenotype-specific plasticity of pelvic neurons contributes to neurogenic ED.