Sildenafil is a synthetic small-molecule compound widely studied in pharmacology and vascular biology research for its selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). By inhibiting PDE5, sildenafil influences cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathways, which play a key role in nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation and smooth muscle relaxation.
In laboratory and research settings, sildenafil is examined for its effects on endothelial function, blood flow regulation, and vascular responsiveness. It has also been explored in studies investigating pulmonary vascular signaling, cellular oxygen utilization, and interactions between nitric oxide and cyclic nucleotide pathways.
Research involving sildenafil focuses on molecular signaling mechanisms, vascular physiology, and smooth muscle regulation rather than therapeutic or clinical application.
