Phosphodiesterase 5

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) is an enzyme found in various tissues in the body, including the smooth muscle cells of the penis. Its primary function is to break down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), an important messenger molecule involved in the regulation of blood flow. By breaking down cGMP, PDE5 helps to regulate the duration and intensity of certain physiological processes.