Virility Gene, a New Hope

Nitric oxide acts as a powerful cellular messenger throughout the body. In the latest experiments, scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles found a virus that can carry an enzyme to cells for the generation of nitric oxide. When this adenovirus – similar to that of a common cold – is injected into the penis of rats, the local cells generated high levels of nitric oxide.
The nitric oxide dilates blood vessels by relaxing surrounding muscles, a process crucial to penile erections. In this case, the injections caused aging rats to develop stronger erections of longer duration – even stronger than in youthful rats.

There have been no studies of this sex gene on human subjects, but lead researcher Louis Ignarro says it could help a large number of men with erectile dysfunction problems.

The researchers say the gene would probably only last for a few weeks in humans before having to be renewed. Still, this is a remarkable study that would do away with the need for taking a daily anti-impotency pill like Viagra.