Effect of Sildenafil on heart nitric oxide metabolism and mitochondrial function

ZAOBORNYJ T; VALDEZ LB; BOVERIS A

Mitochondria signaling in health and disease

CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group,

Lugar: Boca Raton, Florida; Año: 2012; p. 169 - 188

The available evidence discussed in this chapter provides promising applications of sildenafil as a cardioprotective agent during reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction. Currently, the role of mitochondrion in cardioprotective interventions is well established. The strategic localization of mitochondrial NOS within the organelle where most oxygen is consumed allows for a fine regulation of mitochondrial function by locally produced NO. It has been indicated that sildenafil could exert its action via cGMP-dependent pathways or through NOS upregulation. Further research should be followed to characterize the direct and indirect effects of this drug on mitochondrial function.