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Qualitative and quantitative characterization of the Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) penis.
Marcelo Abidu-Figueiredo1,2, Edilaine F Alves1, Carla B M Gallo1
1Unidade de Pesquisa Urogenital, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Summary
The Rhesus monkey penis, with its high muscle content in the corpus cavernosum, is a suitable model for studying erectile dysfunction. This anatomical similarity to humans makes it valuable for experimental research.
Area of Science:
- Comparative anatomy
- Primate reproductive biology
- Urological research
Background:
- Understanding laboratory animal anatomy is crucial for valid experimental research.
- Existing animal models for erectile dysfunction (ED) have anatomical differences from humans.
- The Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) presents anatomical similarities to humans, suggesting its potential as an ED model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To anatomically characterize and quantify the penile components of the Rhesus monkey.
- To evaluate the suitability of the Rhesus monkey as an experimental model for erectile dysfunction studies.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of ten adult Rhesus monkey penises using histochemical staining.
- Quantitative assessment of tunica albuginea thickness.
- Histomorphometric analysis of corpus cavernosum (CC) and corpus spongiosum (CS) composition (collagen, muscle, elastic fibers).
Main Results:
- The Rhesus monkey penis features a single corpus cavernosum (CC).
- Tnica albuginea thickness varied between dorsal (1.11 ± 0.03 mm) and ventral (0.87 ± 0.01 mm) regions.
- CC composition: 24.00% collagen, 31.52% muscle, 8.46% elastic fibers.
- CS composition: 52.50% collagen, 10.50% muscle, 15.07% elastic fibers.
Conclusions:
- The Rhesus monkey penis exhibits a predominance of muscle tissue in the corpus cavernosum.
- This muscle-to-connective tissue ratio mirrors that of the human penis.
- The Rhesus monkey is validated as a suitable experimental model for erectile dysfunction research.
