Priapism: Pathology

Molecular Pathology

However, cGMP is produced in lower quantities after episodes of priapism, which destroy the endothelium and reduces the production of eNO.

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This reduces the set point of PDE type 5 function. Therefore, with sexual stimulation or sleep-related erections, cGMP levels rise significantly due to insufficient production and activity of its metabolizing enzyme PDE5. Rho kinase activity is also reduced, which leads to less vasoconstrictor activity. The net result is unregulated vasodilatation and persistent erection. It has been demonstrated that transgenic sickle-cell mice have reductions in penile NO/cGMP signaling leading to deficient PDE5 and hence enhanced erectile responses. There is reduced production of eNO, although there is increased sensitivity to nNO produced with sexual stimulation. This combined with downregulation of PDE5, leads to persistent erections in sickle-cell disease.

There is no clear answer as to what incites episodes of ischemic priapism; however, it is certainly known that there are molecular changes after repeated episodes. When corporal smooth muscle is exposed to hypoxia in vitro, apoptosis results and the tissue no longer responds to alpha adrenergic stimulation. Experimental models have demonstrated an increase in reactive oxygen species in tissue after reperfusion after episodes of priapism. This may likely cause smooth muscle injury, which impairs adrenergic response and leads to persistent vasodilatation.

TGF-b which is responsible for the production of collagen normally is upregulated in the penis after priapism due to hypoxia. This may explain the eventual fibrosis that is seen after prolonged episodes. Reperfusion after priapism leads to lipid peroxidation due to reactive oxygen metabolites. In addition, prostacyclin production, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation is reduced. Use this link to buy Viagra in Australia.

Certainly the molecular mechanisms responsible for sickle-cell disease associated priapism are becoming clearer. It is possible that there are more mechanisms in other etiological types of priapism, or potentially a combination of mechanisms. Hematological dyscrasias, including sickle-cell disease impair NO regulation, which affects corporal functioning. In addition, eNO levels are reduced by poor vascular function and endothelial damage. Further studies may be able to elucidate other mechanisms of the pathophysiology of priapism.

Pathology

Gross pathologic as well as microscopic and biochemical changes are evident after episodes of priapism. Quite obvious is the deformed megalophallic penis, typically seen in patients with sickle-cell disease after repeated episodes of priapism. As described by Hinman, this grossly fibrotic penis prevents the normal compliance of the sinusoidal tissue and restricts inflow of blood during an erection.

Spycher and Hauri described ultrastructural changes in the penis after episodes of ischemic priapism. After 12 h, there is trabecular interstitial edema. At 24 h, there is denudation of the sinusoidal endothelium with adherence of thrombocytes to the exposed basement membrane. After 48 h, thrombi form in the sinusoidal spaces and there is necrosis of smooth muscle cells and transformation of these cells to fibroblast-like cells.

As early as 4 h after an episode of ischemic priapism, aspirated corporal blood may demonstrate hypoxia, hypercarbia, and acidosis. Hypoxia, acidosis, and glucopenia impair corporal smooth muscle function. These effects lead to irreversible changes after 4 h of prolonged priapism.