Electron microscopic study of the penile plaques and adjacent corpora cavernosa in Peyronie's disease.
BACKGROUND
We conducted ultrastructural studies to clarify the fine structure of penile plaques and adjacent corpora cavernosa, and the causative basis for the process, in Peyronie's disease.


METHODS
Penile plaques and adjacent corpora cavernosa were obtained during surgical extirpation from 5 patients with Peyronie's disease. Control tissues from the tunica albuginea and adjacent corpora cavernosa were obtained at penile amputation from 2 patients with penile cancer. Prepared tissues were examined by using electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Penile plaques were composed of collagen fibrils, amorphous particulate material, and fibroblasts in all patients. In 1 of 5 patients, myofibroblasts were found in the border area between the lesion and underlying structures. Smooth-muscle cells and endothelial cells resembling myofibroblasts were noted in adjacent corpora cavernosa. In this patient, the plaque progressively enlarged, and was removed within 1 year of onset of the induration.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibromatosis in Peyronie's disease involves both fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which undergo sclerosis in some phase. In addition, smooth-muscle cells and endothelial cells in the adjacent corpora cavernosa may be incorporated in the fibromatosis.
Hirano
D
D
Department of Urology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Surugadai Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Takimoto
Y
Y
Yamamoto
T
T
Hirakata
H
H
Kawata
N
N
D000368:Aged; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D004727:Endothelium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010411:Penile Induration / Q000473:pathology*; D010413:Penis / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D003094:Collagen