Immunohistochemical and quantitative study of mast cells in La Peyronie's disease

Objective: In order to investigate the possible association between mast ce lls (MCs) and the fibrous plaque of La Peyronie's disease, the number of MC s in normal penile tissue and in the fibrous plaque was determined. Methods: The control group consisted of 5 total and 3 partial penectomies w ith no fibrotic lesions, while the study group consisted of 23 excisional b iopsies from cases of La Peyronie's disease dating back to at least 2 years earlier and with no signs of activity. The biopsies included tissues from the tunica albuginea (TA), the areolar tissue (Br) between the tunica and t he erectile tissue (CC) and from the latter. The number of MCs was counted with the aid of an image analysis program following staining the antibody a ntitryptase. Results: In the cases of La Peyronie's disease the number of MCs/mm(2) was significantly higher in the TA and Br but lower in the CC. The MCs were rel ated to fibroblasts and vasculonervous channels in the TA, and were concent rated around the fibrous plaques and granulation tissue between the TA and BR and between the latter and the CC. Conclusion: Our data indicate that MCs have a role in the genesis of the fi brous plaque in the TA and in the persistent inflammation in the Pr, Medica l treatment aimed at repressing MC activation and proliferation locally mig ht be useful in La Peyronie's disease. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Bas el.