ARG2 participates in the regulation of extra-urea cycle arginine metabolism and also in down-regulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Extrahepatic arginase functions to regulate L-arginine bioavailability to NO synthase. Since NO synthase is found in the penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle， the clitoral corpus cavernosum and the vagina， ARG2 takes part in both male and female sexual arousal and therefore a potential target for the treatment of male and female sexual arousal disorders.
