BIOCHEMICAL-ALTERATIONS OF THE TUNICA ALBUGINEA IN IMPOTENCE

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to quantify the immunohisto chemical stainings of collagen types I, III and IV, and investigate th e value of glycohistoehemical staining with 3 lectin types specific to a particular glycan structure, Arachis hypogaea, Triticum vulgare and concanavalin A, as a method of defining possible changes in the colla gen structure of the tunica albuginea in potent and impotent patients. Materials and Methods: The study involved 4 normal men, 4 with pure v enous leakage and 4 with pure arterial disease, Collagen types I, III and IV, and lectins Arachis hypogaea, Triticum vulgare and concanavali n A were studied using a cell image processor. The labeling index rela tes to the percentage of staining and mean optical density relates to the staining intensity. Results: Mean labeling index values for the 3 types of collagen and lectins were similar (p >0.05), Mean optical den sity value relating to collagen type I was significantly higher in the arteriogenic group than in the other groups (p <0.05), while mean opt ical density value of collagen type IV was significantly higher in the venogenic group than in the 2 other groups (p <0.05). Mean optical de nsity values relating to the 3 lectin types were similar in the 3 clin ical groups (p >0.05). Conclusions: An alteration in the distribution and structure of the various collagen types and lectins in the tunica albuginea of impotent patients has been shown that may interfere with normal function and lead to impotence.