[Culture and identification of human and rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate an effective method to produce large numbers of pure corporal smooth muscle cells in vitro according to the requirement of study.


METHODS
In this study, we used the primary tissue culture technique to isolate and culture the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSM) from human males with normal erectile function and New Zealand white rabbits. The cells were identified in regard to morphological and growing characteristics via immunohistochemical methods (including alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, myocin and factor VIII related antigen), special dye techniques (including Masson and Van Gieson) and transmission electron microscope.


RESULTS
CCSM were isolated and cultured successfully with high purity. Morphologically, the cells were spindle shaped and grow on top of each other, resembling a "hill and valley" in appearance. When characterized in immunohistochemistry, the cells were stained with alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin and myocin, but not with anti-factor VIII, an endothelial marker.


CONCLUSIONS
The CCSM, which can be isolated and cultured successfully, may be used for further studying their biological function. The CCSM cultured in vitro was proved to be useful to evaluate and investigate the effect of some new medicine for penile erection. There is also a clinical and theoretical significance in further studying the experimental mechanisms of erectile dysfunction.
Chen
Bin
B
Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200001, China. bankmaster@msn.com
Huang
Xuyuan
X
Tong
Jufang
J
Chen
Haige
H
Wang
Yixin
Y
Huang
Yiran
Y
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010413:Penis / Q000166:cytology*; D011817:Rabbits