Abstract

Objective To explore the histomorphological changes of orpus spongiosum around urethral plate in hypospadias. Methods Forty-six hypospadias boys aged from 9 to 48 months were recruited and divided into distal (n=20) and proximal (n=26) groups according to the location of meatus.The average age was (2.1±1.1) years.Another 6 cases of urethral rupture with an average age of (14±4.9) years were selected as the controls.The morphologies of corpus spongiosum were examined intraoperatively and its histopathological features evaluated by hematoxylin & eosin, Masson and immunohistochemistry with α-SMA, CD34 and TGF-β1.Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were also performed for measuring the expression of TGF-β1. Results The width of corpus spongiosum around urethral plate was significantly greater in distal group than proximal group[(0.36±0.12) vs.(0.18±0.10) cm, P<0.05]. Histology and immunohistochemistry of blood vessels indicated an abnormal structure of cavernous sinus in hypospadias group.It was characterized by a wide vascular lumen [(control (7.20±1.12)μm, hypospadias (13.75±8.08), P<0.05], thickening of vascular wall [control (5.40±1.28) μm, hypospadias (14.11±7.59) μm, P<0.05], lowered cavernous sinus density (hypospadias 15.66±1.17, control 7.24±4.19, P<0.05), decreased cavernous trabecula density (hypospadias 9.80±1.92, control 3.68±2.87, P<0.05) and degree of structural abnormity was more obvious in proximal group.Immunohistochemistry of TGF-β1 showed a lower expression of TGF-β1 in hypospadias (P<0.05). Western bolt and qRT-PCR also confirmed the lowered expression of TGF-β1 in proximal hypospadias as compared with control group(all P<0.05). Conclusions The histomorphology of corpus spongiosum is abnormal around urethral plate in hypospadias.And degree of variation and severity of hypospadias are positively correlated. Key words: Hypospadias; Corpus spongiosum; Histology

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call