Phosphodiesterase

Phosphodiesterase is an enzyme that helps regulate cell signals by breaking down specific molecules called cyclic nucleotides (like cAMP and cGMP). These molecules act as messengers inside cells, controlling processes such as heartbeat, blood flow, and muscle relaxation. By breaking down these messengers, phosphodiesterase helps turn off or modulate signals, ensuring the body's responses are balanced. Different types of phosphodiesterase target different cyclic nucleotides, which is why medications that inhibit specific phosphodiesterase enzymes are used to treat conditions like erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension.