X‐ray micro‐computed tomography in the assessment of penile cavernous fibrosis in a rabbit castration model

Background Current assessment methods of penile cavernous fibrosis in animal models have limitations due to the inability to provide complex and volume analysis of fibrotic alterations. Objective The aim was to evaluate micro‐computed tomography for assessment of cavernous fibrosis and compare it with histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and RT‐PCR analysis. Materials and methods A controlled trial was performed involving 25 New Zealand male rabbits with induced testosterone deficiency by orchidectomy. Penile samples were obtained before and after 7, 14, 21, and 84 days from orchidectomy. We consistently performed (a) gray value analysis of corpora cavernosa 3D models reconstructed after micro‐computed tomography, (b) morphometry of smooth muscles/connective tissue ratio, collagen type I/III ratio, and area of TGF‐beta‐1 expression in corpora cavernosa, and (c) RT‐PCR of TGF‐beta‐1 expression. Results Micro‐computed tomography allowed visualization of penile structures at a resolution comparable to light microscopy. Gray values of corpora cavernosa decreased from 1673 (1512–1773) on the initial day to 1184 (1089–1232) on the 21st day (p