Classical activation of macrophages and vardenafil

Abstract

Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) - sildenafil citrate (Viagra; Pfizer) and vardenafil hydrochloride (Levitra; Bayer/GlaxoSmithKline) - approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension also rescue the loss of cystic fibrosis (CF) chloride channel function and the mislocalization of F508del-CFTR in affected tissues in CF. Can PDE5 inhibitors provide a therapeutic strategy which combines ability to correct the basic ion transport defect and to control de-regulated lung inflammation in CF?.