Azadzoi KM, Yang J, Siroky MB. Neural regulation of sexual function in men. World J Clin Urol 2013; 2(3): 32-41 [PMID: 34707982 DOI: 10.5410/wjcu.v2.i3.32]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Kazem M Azadzoi, MD, MA, Professor, Department of Urology and Pathology, Urology Research (151), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, United States. kazadzoi@bu.edu
Research Domain of This Article
Urology & Nephrology
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
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World J Clin Urol. Nov 24, 2013; 2(3): 32-41 Published online Nov 24, 2013. doi: 10.5410/wjcu.v2.i3.32
Neural regulation of sexual function in men
Kazem M Azadzoi, Jinghua Yang, Mike B Siroky
Kazem M Azadzoi, Department of Urology and Pathology, Urology Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02130, United States
Jinghua Yang, Department of Surgery, Proteomic Laboratories, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02130, United States
Mike B Siroky, Department of Urology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02130, United States
Author contributions: All the authors contributed to the paper.
Supported by A Merit Review Grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs
Correspondence to: Kazem M Azadzoi, MD, MA, Professor, Department of Urology and Pathology, Urology Research (151), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, United States. kazadzoi@bu.edu
Telephone: +1-857-3645602 Fax: +1-857-3644540
Received: June 25, 2013 Revised: August 15, 2013 Accepted: August 17, 2013 Published online: November 24, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Despite considerable advances in our understating of male sexual function over the past two decades, crucial central mechanisms and peripheral pathways of male sexual response are still largely unknown. Neural responses to sexual stimulation precede vascular, smooth muscle, and endothelial cell reactions and play leading role in initiating fundamental pathways of male sexual arousal, erection, orgasm and ejaculation. These pathways involve a dedicated subset of central mechanisms, spinal reflexes, peripheral nerves, and neurotransmission systems that operate at different levels individually and in conjugation. Further research into the neurophysiology of sexual function may help better management of neurogenic sexual dysfunction in men.
