Preliminary reports on morphological and ultrastructural changes in the corpora cavernosa of the rat after chronic arterial obstruction

OBJECTIVES: Various authors have investigated the pathological findings of penile tissue after chronic arterial obstruction, but the significance of these changes in the corpora cavernosa remains unclear. In order to evaluate the possible damages in the erectile tissue after chronic arterial obstruction at different levels, we utilized an experimental model in rats to determine the changes in smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers of the erectile tissue by microscopic inmunohistochemical and ultrastrutural studies. METHODS: Twelve adult male Wistar rats were employed in this study. Ten were used for the experiments and two as control. The rats were anaesthetized with ether and intraperitoneal 10% chloral hydrate. Microsurgical isolation of the involved vessels was performed with the aid of a Zeiss dissecting microscope. Partial stenosis was achieved with 11/0 nylon and amputation of the penis was performed at previously established time periods. The partial stenosis was carried out at the level of the aorta below the renal vessels (Group A), the common iliac artery on both sides (Group B) and the hypogastric artery on the left side (Group C). Arterial obstruction was maintained in each group for 50, 40 and 25 days, respectively. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with normal controls, the histological findings revealed discrete and diffuse interstitial hyalinosis with reducted elastic fibers, while dilated vascular lacunae were also present on TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) examination. The greatest ultrastructural damages were observed in the group with obstruction of the common iliac artery on both sides. The foregoing confirms that an eventual chronic obstruction of these arteries does not allow the formation of collateral vessels for the corpora cavernosa.