ABSTRACT
AIMS: To study the bladder structure of fetuses with prune belly syndrome (PBS). METHODS: We studied three bladders obtained from three male fetuses with PBS and seven bladders from seven male fetuses without anomalies. Each bladder was dissected and embedded in paraffin, from which 5 µm thick sections were obtained and stained with Masson's trichrome (to quantify connective tissue and smooth muscle) and picrosirius red with polarization (to observe collagen). Immunohistochemistry with tubulin (Tubulin, beta III, Mouse Monoclonal Antibody) was applied to observe the bladder nerves. The images were captured with an Olympus BX51 microscope and Olympus DP70 camera. The stereological analysis was done with the Image Pro and Image J programs, using a grid to determine volumetric densities (Vv). Means were statistically compared using the Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Quantitative analysis documented that smooth muscle fibers were significantly smaller (P = 0.04) in PBS fetuses (9.67% to 17.75%, mean = 13.2%) compared to control group (13.33% to 26.56%, mean = 17.43%). The analysis of collagen fibers showed predominance of green in the control group, suggesting collagen type III presence, and predominance of red in the in PBS fetal bladders, suggesting collagen type I presence in this group. The qualitative analysis of the nerves with immunohistochemistry with tubulin showed predominance of nerves in the control group. CONCLUSION: The bladder in PBS had lower concentrations of smooth muscle fibers, collagen type III, and nerves. These structural alterations can be one of the factors involved in urinary tract abnormality such as distended bladder in patients with PBS.
Subject(s)
Muscle, Smooth/pathology , Prune Belly Syndrome/pathology , Urinary Bladder/pathology , Collagen Type III/metabolism , Fetus , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Muscle, Smooth/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology , Prune Belly Syndrome/metabolism , Urinary Bladder/metabolismABSTRACT
Objectives The objective of this review is to study the role of the gubernaculum in the testicular migration process during the human fetal period. Materials and Methods We performed a descriptive review of the literature about the role of the gubernaculum in testicular migration during the human fetal period. Results In the first phase of testicular migration, the gubernaculum enlarges to hold the testis near the groin and in the second phase the gubernaculum migrates across the pubic region to reach the scrotum. The proximal portion of the gubernaculum is attached to the testis and epididymis and the presence of multiple insertions in the distal gubernaculum is extremely rare. The presence of muscle and nerves in the human gubernaculum is very poor. The gubernaculum of patients with cryptorchidism has more fibrous tissue and less collagen and when the patients are submitted to hormonal treatment, the gubernaculum components alter significantly. Conclusions The gubernaculum presents significant structural modifications during testicular migration in human fetuses. .
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Fetus/embryology , Scrotum/embryology , Testis/embryology , Collagen/analysis , Cryptorchidism/embryology , Cryptorchidism/physiopathology , Fetal Development/physiology , Fetus/physiology , Gestational Age , Scrotum/physiology , Testis/physiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to study the role of the gubernaculum in the testicular migration process during the human fetal period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive review of the literature about the role of the gubernaculum in testicular migration during the human fetal period. RESULTS: In the first phase of testicular migration, the gubernaculum enlarges to hold the testis near the groin and in the second phase the gubernaculum migrates across the pubic region to reach the scrotum. The proximal portion of the gubernaculum is attached to the testis and epididymis and the presence of multiple insertions in the distal gubernaculum is extremely rare. The presence of muscle and nerves in the human gubernaculum is very poor. The gubernaculum of patients with cryptorchidism has more fibrous tissue and less collagen and when the patients are submitted to hormonal treatment, the gubernaculum components alter significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The gubernaculum presents significant structural modifications during testicular migration in human fetuses.
