Effect of berberine on the mRNA expression of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in rat corpus cavernosum

OBJECTIVE: To further investigate the action mechanisms of berberine (Ber) and to assess the effects of Ber on the mRNA expression of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in rat corpus cavernosum. METHODS: After incubating with Ber for 1 or 3 h respectively, we examined the levels of PDE5 mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: There were PDE5A1 and PDE5A2 mRNA expressions in the rat corpus cavernosum with PDE5A2 as the dominant isoform. Ber could obviously inhibit the mRNA expression of the two isoforms in the rat penis and bring on a pronounced decrease in PDE5A2 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the inhibitory effect of Ber on PDE5 mRNA expression, especially on PDE5A2, might account for its molecular mechanism for treating ED.