Clinical Significance of Ultrastructural Findings in the Corpora Cavernosa of Normal and Impotent Men

Abstract

Corpora cavernosa of 5 normal and 11 impotent living men were studied by electron microscopy. Of the smooth muscle cells 42.3% from corporeal tissues of impotent men showed a pronounced thickening of the basal lamina, a paucity of dense bodies and contractile filaments, minimal or no glycogen and fewer vesicles on the cell surface, whereas only 5.4% of the smooth muscle cells from normal men showed similar alterations. These differences were statistically significant (p less than 0.003). The percentage of altered smooth muscle cells in corporeal tissues of impotent men was proportional to the severity of symptoms and clinical findings. Morphometric analysis revealed no significant differences in the relative proportions of the major components of corporeal tissue (smooth muscle cells, extracellular matrix, vascular lumina and endothelial cells). These findings suggest the need for early detection of corporeal tissue degeneration by preoperative biopsy to assist in better selection of candidates for a penile vascular operation. They also may contribute to the development of new therapeutic modalities for erectile dysfunction.

Ultrastructural comparison of penile cavernous tissue between hypertensive and normotensive rats

“…22,23 There were more interstitial matrixes and fewer smooth muscle cells in the corporeal tissue of impotent individuals than the normal men. 24 Meanwhile, in impotent patients with corporeal veno-occlusive dysfunction and arterial lesions, the percentage of collagen fibers replacing the smooth muscle cells is increased. 25 The tunica albuginea is mainly composed of a longitudinal outer layer and an inner layer of transversely oriented collagen bundles.…”

Candesartan cilexetil protects cavernous tissue in spontaneously hypertensive rats

“…Some of these changes are considered as the result of the aging process and others correspond to pathological modifications probably due to certain diseases or specific risk factors related to the vascular system. [21][22][23] In extracavernosal segments of the vascular bed, the tone and contractility of VSM and, then, the modulation of regional blood Candesartan and cavernous tissue in SHR JE Toblli et al flow depend on a balance between angiotensin II and NO. [24][25][26] There is compelling evidence supporting that corpus cavernous produces and secretes physiologically relevant amounts of angiotensin II and that the local renin-angiotensin system is involved in the regulation of CSM tone through angiotensin II receptor subtype 1.…”

Bisphenol A inhibits penile erection via alteration of histology in the rabbit

“…It is also opposed to the concept of venoocclusive erectile dysfunction in which reduction or dysfunction of the intracavernous smooth muscle fibers has been suggested to evoke erectile dysfunction. 24,25 In this study, trabecular smooth muscle content was measured by hitomorphometry. Therefore, BPA may not increase the definite content of smooth muscle but reduces individual sinusoidal lumen with consequent increased ratio of smooth muscle content on histomorphometry.…”