IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE CORPORA CAVERNOSA OF THE HUMAN CLITORIS

The microarchitecture of the corpora cavernosa of the human clitoris w as investigated by immunohistochemistry. The distribution pattern of t he nerve network was demonstrated by S-100 and neuron specific enolase immunoreactivity. Vascular and nonvascular muscle cells were identifi ed by desmin and/or vimentin expression, and fibroblasts and endotheli al cells by vimentin immunoreactivity. The findings show that tissue o rganisation in the corpora cavernosa of the clitoris is essentially si milar to that of the penis except for the absence of a subalbugineal l ayer interposed between the tunica albuginea and erectile tissue. This has functional implications, suggesting that the clitoral erection cy cle differs from that of the penis.