Which molecule's levels rise due to PDE5 inhibition?

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Multiple Choice

Which molecule's levels rise due to PDE5 inhibition?

Explanation:
PDE5 specifically breaks down cGMP, so inhibiting it allows cGMP levels to rise. Higher cGMP activates protein kinase G, which lowers intracellular calcium and promotes relaxation of smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation. In tissues like the corpus cavernosum, this mechanism facilitates erection. The other molecules aren’t directly increased by PDE5 inhibition: cAMP is governed by adenylyl cyclase and related PDEs, while DAG and IP3 come from phospholipase C signaling, not from PDE5 activity.

PDE5 specifically breaks down cGMP, so inhibiting it allows cGMP levels to rise. Higher cGMP activates protein kinase G, which lowers intracellular calcium and promotes relaxation of smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation. In tissues like the corpus cavernosum, this mechanism facilitates erection. The other molecules aren’t directly increased by PDE5 inhibition: cAMP is governed by adenylyl cyclase and related PDEs, while DAG and IP3 come from phospholipase C signaling, not from PDE5 activity.

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