Exploring the potential link between Viagra and Alzheimer's, the accidental discovery of Viagra for angina, the impact of protein kinases on blood vessels and erections, and a professor's unconventional presentation involving genitalia at a conference.
Viagra's vascular mechanism may slow dementia effects by increasing blood flow.
Early exploration with vasodilators, like Papavarin, sparked discussion on achieving erections.
Deep dives
The Science of Viagra and Its Mechanism of Action
Viagra, also known as sildenafil citrate, initially developed for angina, dilates blood vessels by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5. This inhibition increases the presence of CGMP, activating protein kinase G that relaxes smooth muscles, allowing blood flow. This mechanism proves useful for conditions like angina and also aids in achieving erections.
Charles Brindley's Experiments and Vasodilators
In the early 1980s, vasodilators, like Papavarin, were noted for causing erections. Charles Brindley, in a lecture, shared his self-experimentation by injecting Papavarin into his penis. This unconventional approach showcases an early exploration into the effects of vasodilators on achieving erections, sparking a discussion on the potential of such drugs.
There’s one thing we know Viagra does very well. But what other uses does it have? Can it, as has now been claimed in three separate studies, prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
In this priapic paid-only episode of The Studies Show, Tom and Stuart ask if there might be something to the theory that, through some vascular mechanism, Viagra might slow the effects of dementia. Or is that all just a phallus… er, fallacy?
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