Alteration in Collagen Concentration and Subtypes of Corpus Cavernosum of Rats with Veno-occlusive Priapism

Lee, Ji Youl; Kim, Sae Woong; Cho, Young Rae; Cho, Yong Hyun; Yoon, Moon Soo; Park, Yong Hyun

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate the serial alteration of collagen after resolution of the priapism in mechanically induced veno-occlusive priapism of rat model.
METHODS
Sprague-Dawley male rats were used and divided into control and experimental groups (3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours according to the duration of ischemic time). The corpora were dissected out at 4 weeks after the relief of veno-occlusive condition, and then the collagen concentration was quantified. Type I, III and IV collagen were determined by immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS
The corporal collagen concentration showed significant increase in the groups of 12, 24, 48 hours of ischemic time. Types III collagen did not increased in intensity, but type I & IV collagen showed gradual increase in intensity according to the time interval of ischemic period.
CONCLUSIONS
The irreversible collagen alteration in corpus cavernosum with veno-occlusive priapism occurred in case of 12 or more hours of ischemic time before resolution. Earlier non-surgical management is necessary for the patients to be safe from further cumulative damages either by recurrent episode or other kinds of disease.