OBJECTIVES: The extracellular matrix is a key element in penile function and pathology, yet little is known of its development. Herein we investigated the morphological organization of collagen and @entity2362 in the corpora cavernosa and tunica albuginea of @entity1 fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The penises from 5 fresh @entity1 fetuses at 28 weeks postconception (WPC) were routinely fixed and embedded, and all staining procedures were carried out on paraffin sections. Collagen was evidenced by staining with: (1) Gomori's trichrome; (2) sirius red, followed by observation under polarized light, and (3) an antihuman collagen type-III antibody. @entity2362 and the whole elastic system were revealed using an antihuman @entity2362 antibody and Weigert's resorcin fucsin, respectively. RESULTS: At this stage of fetal development, the albuginea is formed predominantly by dense bundles of collagen. Near the corpora cavernosa, the presence of type-III collagen was also observed. Weigert staining showed numerous fibers of the elastic system in the albuginea. Type-III collagen was found to be strongly positive in the cavernous trabeculae and in the connective sheath surrounding the central artery. Using Weigert staining and an immunolabeling method with primary antibody against @entity1 @entity2362 , we found an important quantity of elastic system fibers in the trabeculae of the corpora cavernosa. CONCLUSION: In fetuses at 28 WPC the albuginea is formed predominantly by dense bundles of collagen. The trabecular structures of the corpora cavernosa present a significant quantity of type-III collagen and elastic system fibers.

Collagen and elastic fibers in the penis of XXXX fetuses at 28 weeks postconception.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity2362 :: ('2006', 'Gene') :: ['Elastin', 'elastin']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['human']
