Cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-phosphodiesterase isoenzymes in human vagina: Relation to nitric oxide synthase isoforms and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-containing nerves

Our study revealed immunoreactivity specific for PDE-4, PDE-5, and PDE-10 in the vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle of the vagina. Immunosignals for PDE-4 and PDE-5 were also observed in close proximity to nNOS-IR or VIP-IR nerve fibers or to eNOS-IR endothelial cells. The distribution of PDEs may indicate a role of these enzymes in the control of the function of the human vagina.