How to Quantify Penile Corpus Cavernosum Structures with Histomorphometry: Comparison of Two Methods.

Bruno Felix-Patrício,Francisco José Sampaio,Waldemar Silva Costa,Diogo Benchimol De Souza,Bianca Martins Gregório

doi:10.1155/2015/832156

Bruno Felix-Patrício, Francisco José Sampaio + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/832156

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Abstract

The use of morphometrical tools in biomedical research permits the accurate comparison of specimens subjected to different conditions, and the surface density of structures is commonly used for this purpose. The traditional point-counting method is reliable but time-consuming, with computer-aided methods being proposed as an alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the surface density data of penile corpus cavernosum trabecular smooth muscle in different groups of rats, measured by two observers using the point-counting or color-based segmentation method. Ten normotensive and 10 hypertensive male rats were used in this study. Rat penises were processed to obtain smooth muscle immunostained histological slices and photomicrographs captured for analysis. The smooth muscle surface density was measured in both groups by two different observers by the point-counting method and by the color-based segmentation method. Hypertensive rats showed an increase in smooth muscle surface density by the two methods, and no difference was found between the results of the two observers. However, surface density values were higher by the point-counting method. The use of either method did not influence the final interpretation of the results, and both proved to have adequate reproducibility. However, as differences were found between the two methods, results obtained by either method should not be compared.

Highlights

Cell and tissue morphological alterations are highly associated with functional and developmental changes and are the focus of scientific research [1]
The description of morphological changes is valid in some specific circumstances, for most situations, scientific data gain value when expressed numerically [2, 3], and this is the premise supporting the use of morphometry for medical research
The smooth muscle surface density analyzed by the pointcounting and color-based segmentation method was 26–29% and 25– 32% higher, respectively, in hypertensive (SHR) than in normotensive (WKY) animals (Figure 2 and Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Cell and tissue morphological alterations are highly associated with functional and developmental changes and are the focus of scientific research [1]. The description of morphological changes is valid in some specific circumstances, for most situations, scientific data gain value when expressed numerically [2, 3], and this is the premise supporting the use of morphometry for medical research. Macroscopic or microscopic quantification of a structure increases accuracy by generating numerical data that can be used for statistical comparisons, giving credibility to the study [5, 6]. Score quantification based on observer’s interpretation has been previously reported, but as the result depends directly on experience, the method is less reliable and reproducible. The use of objective morphometric analytical methods is preferable, as observer’s experience will have little impact on the outcome of the results [5, 6]

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