A histologic study of urethral plate with light and transmission electron microscopy

Purpose: To make a histological study of a urethral plate using light and transmission electron microscopies to find evidence responsible for ventral curvature in hypospadias. Materials and methods: Full thickness biopsies of the urethral plate were obtained from 5 patients with proximal hypospadias; including 4 children and 1 adult. All specimens were examined with light and transmission electron microscopies. Results: With the light microscope, all specimens demonstrated well vascularized connective tissue, comprised of smooth muscle and collagen. With the transmission electron microscope, all specimens demonstrated intact endothelial cells and fibroblasts, with dispersed chromatin distribution, intercellular loose collagen and a regular arrangement of collagen fibrils in intercellulax spaces. No histological evidence of fibrous cord could be found in any of the specimens. Conclusions: No histological evidence of fibrous cord could be historically found that could be considered responsible for ventral penile curvature in hypospadias.