Relaxation of smooth muscle is viewed as a 'resetting' of contractile machinery and the resumption of a pre-contractile state is accomplished by lowering cytosolic Ca(2+) and/or by decreasing the sensitivity of the contractile machinery to Ca(2+). There are several mechanisms whereby cytosolic Ca(2+) can be reduced and relaxation achieved but, in general, all pathways depend upon the accumulation of cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP or on the activation of K(+) channels resulting in hyperpolarization. Recently, activation of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase by nitric oxide has been shown to be involved in the relaxation of trabecular smooth muscle. Since Na(+)/K(+) ATPase is electrogenic, its stimulation would cause hyperpolarization and, in turn, would prevent the opening of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. This manuscript briefly reviews the molecular mechanisms affected by muscle relaxants and vasodilators in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000) 12, Suppl 4, S34-S38.