Computerized image analysis of smooth muscle fibers in normal Chinese men and impotence patients

Smooth muscle fibers are considered very important in penile erection and relaxation. The reduction of intracavernosus smooth muscle fibers can provoke impotence. The percentage of smooth muscle fibers in corpus cavernosum specimens was studied quantitatively in normal men and impotence patients by means of computerized image analysis. The percentage of smooth muscle fibers in the specimens of 14 normal men, ranged from 41% to 61% (average 50%) and in 12 impotence patients, it was 22% to 46% (average 31%). A decrease of smooth muscle fibers and an increase of collagen fibers were noted in impotence patients.