Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Cells (CCSM)

Corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) originate from corpus cavernosum tissue of male animals. Primary CCSMCs initially appear spindle shaped, reflecting a normal contracted state. Under hypoxic conditions, CCSMCs would become hypertrophic with loss of myofilament bundles and formation of an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) with inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced cell. CCSMCs play a critical role in the male erectile response and  are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple causes of erectile dysfunction (ED).