Comparative anatomy of the male guinea-pig and human lower urinary tract: Histomorphology and three-dimensional reconstruction (vol 30, pg 185, 2001)

The guinea-pig is often used for experimental studies in urology. However, the anatomy of the lower urinary tract of the guinea-pig is poorly describe d in the literature. The structure and function of the lower urinary tract, i.e. continence, micturition and sexual function, are closely related to t he gross anatomy of the pelvis and the fine structure of the musculature. W e investigated the anatomy and histomorphology of the lower urinary tract b y serial sections in male guineapigs and compared it to that in humans. Imm unohistochemical stainings for alpha-smooth muscle cell actin were used to differentiate between smooth and striated muscles. By using whole pelvic pr eparations, including all internal organs preserved in their in situ locati on for three-dimensional reconstruction, we developed three-dimensional mod els, which elucidate the spatial relationship of all muscular structures an d can help to deduce functional aspects of lower urinary tract function. In the guinea-pig, most of the muscles found in humans can be demonstrated in comparable location and extension. However, the structure of the prostate and the existence of the so-called coagulation glands define a significant difference in the morphology of the prostatic urethra.