The Distribution of Preputial Vessels at Different Severity of Rat Congenital Hypospadias Model

The study used micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) to analyze the distribution of preputial vessels in a finasteride-induced congenital hypospadias rat model. Pregnant rats were exposed to finasteride, and their pups were categorized into normal, mild, and severe hypospadias groups. Six months post-birth, preputial blood vessels were examined. The normal and mild hypospadias groups showed similar vascular structures, with a ring-like vessel formation at the junction of the inner and outer prepuce. In the severe hypospadias group, five rats had sufficient blood circulation with similar ring-like vessels, while six had insufficient circulation with limited capillary supply. The study concluded that micro-CT provided a better understanding of the 3D vascular structure, indicating that areas with rich blood circulation at the prepuce junction are suitable for vascular pedicle flap procedures.