ObjectiveTo determine the histological and immunohistochemical alterations of human penile cavernosal tissue in venogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) compared with potent controls regarding collagen fibres, elastic fibres, smooth muscle content and inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) expression. Materials and methodsCavernous biopsies were obtained from four potent men (two with penile fracture and two with congenital penile curvature) regarded as controls and from 15 patients with venogenic ED undergoing implantation of penile prosthesis. The specimens obtained were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and orcein stains and antismooth muscle a-actin and i-NOS immunostaining. Evaluation was carried out using computerized morphometric analysis and results were statistically compared. Results A significant increase of collagen fibres with reduced smooth muscle and elastic fibre content was shown in patients with venogenic ED compared with controls. There was also an increased expression of i-NOS immuonoreactivity. ConclusionHistological alterations of cavernosal tissue structure in venogenic ED point to progressive fibrosis. Early diagnosis by penile biopsy may help to combat fibrosis and preserve the integrity of erectile tissue and accordingly the penile erection.

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Background/Objective: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are c-kit positive immunoreactive cells which are thought to play an important role in the control of gut motility. The work aimed at studying the morphology of ICC and precisely localize their regional and transmural pattern of distribution in normal human alimentary tract. Material and Methods:The study included 102 normal human alimentary tract specimens obtained from male patients with a mean age 37.92±8.53. All sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and c-kit immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemically stained sections were submitted for a computer aided image analytical study to detect the area percent of immunoreactive cells. The data obtained was statistically analyzed. Results: ICC could not be demonstrated in H&E stained sections. Immunohistochemically, two morphological subtypes of ICC were recognized, a spindle bipolar and stellate multipolar forms. ICC were detected in the myenteric plexus layer of the esophagus, corpus, pylorus, small intestine, colon and rectum. Intramuscular ICC could be demonstrated in the esophagus, fundus, corpus, pylorus, colon, rectum and anal canal. ICC at the deep muscular plexus were found only in the small intestine. In the pylorus, colon and rectum, ICC were also found at the submucosal border of the circular muscle layer. Conclusion:The wide distribution of ICC all over the human alimentary tract is compatible with their physiological role being important mediators of gut motility.

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disorder of digestive system. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and Wheat germ oil (WGO) could improve AP through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Objective: Evaluate and compare the possible therapeutic effects of Bone marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) versus WGO on AP. Materials and Methods: 47 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Control group I (no.=12). AP was induced in the remaining 35 rats by a single intra peritoneal (I.P) injection of L-arginine (250 mg/100g). 5 rats died within the 1st hour after AP induction, the rest were divided randomly into group II (AP group; no.=10) that received no treatment, group III (BMSCs group; no.=10) and group IV (WGO group; no.=10). One hour after AP induction, group III was injected I.P. by 1ml of PKH26 labeled BMSCs (1x106 cells/ml) and group IV received WGO in a dose of 3 ml/kg body weight by oral gavage every 24 h for 3 successive days. Blood samples were collected 24 hours and on the 4 th day after AP induction for biochemical assessment of serum amylase, lipase, interleukin-1β and interleukin-10. Then, animals were sacrificed and specimens from the pancreas were prepared for Hematoxylin and eosin (HandE) stain and immune-histochemical staining using inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and insulin antibodies. Morphometric measurements using image analyzer were done. Results: Group II showed extensive pancreatic damage associated with increase in serum amylase, lipase and interleukin-1B levels and reduction in interleukin-10 level. A significant increase in the area % of iNOS immunostaining and non-significant change in insulin immunostaining were detected. On the other hand, BMSCs group and WGO group showed improvement in the biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical results with better results in BMSCs group. Conclusion: BMSCs possess better therapeutic efficacy in treating AP compared with WGO.

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