OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of concealed penis on the morphology of the corpus cavernosum in rats.

METHODSRat models of concealed penis were established by intra-pocket-suture of the root of the penis. Fifty rats were equally assigned to Groups A (2-month) and B (4-month), each further divided into a buried (n = 15) and a normal subgroup (n = 10). Changes in the morphology of the penile cavernous tissue were observed under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSCompared with Group A, Group B showed significant ultra-structural pathological changes in the corpus cavernosum, including abnormal arrangement of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, massive hyperplasia of interstitial tissues, narrowed cavernous sinus, atrophic smooth muscle cells, degenerated mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticula, decreased dense bodies and contractile fibers, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. No significant differences were found in the appearance and weight of the corpus cavernosum between the buried and normal groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONConcealed penis does not significantly affect the appearance and weight of the corpus cavernosum, but causes ultra-structural pathological changes in it with the lengthening of time.