title: Ultrastructure of the tunica albuginea in congenital penile curvature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the ultrastructure of the tunica albuginea in individuals with congenital penile curvature to explain the pathology of this disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Included in our study were 15 patients 17 to 24 years old with congenital penile curvature. Study material consisted of samples of the tunica albuginea excised from the greater curvature of the corpus cavernosum during surgical correction. Control samples were obtained from the lesser curvature on the side opposite the study material during the same operation. The 2 types of tissue were analyzed using transmitter electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ultrastructural examination of the control material revealed numerous collagen fibers that were homogenous in size and organization on cross section. Periodic striation was typical in collagen that produced fibers. In the study group the tunica albuginea structure had a chaotic pattern of collagen fibers that formed bundles with disrupted 3-dimensional organization. Diameter of the fibers differed greatly on cross section. We observed periodic widening and fragmentation of collagen fibers with the complete disappearance of striation and transformation into electron dense, fibrous granulated material. Disrupted fibroblasts without cell membrane and cellular organelles between collagen fibers were also visible. There was elastin accumulation without any morphological differences in the control and study groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results show that ultrastructural changes in the tunica albuginea may cause congenital penile curvature, possibly by altering mechanical properties.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Urology and Pathology, Medical Academy of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Darewicz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kudelski
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Szynaka
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Darewicz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection; D010413:Penis / Q000648:ultrastructure*
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen