Sexual Mechanosensitivity: Age-Related Changes in
the Innervation of the Human Prepuce
José A. Vega 1,2,*, Vincenzo Aiello 3, José Martín-Cruces 1, Iván Suazo 1,2, Ryan Jones 3,
William Musa 3, Olivia García-Suárez 1,4 and Yolanda García-Mesa 1
Background/Objectives: The male prepuce that covers the glans penis is richly innervated
by low-threshold mechanoreceptors, that form cutaneous end-organ complexes (Meissner corpuscles
and Pacinian corpuscles) and mucous end-organ complexes (Krause and Krause-like corpuscles). The
mechanosensory inputs from these formations are the beginning for spinal reflexes that regulate
movements of intercourse and erection and therefore are required for sexual function. The study was
aimed at analyzing the age-dependent changes in prepuce innervation. Methods: Here we used
immunohistochemistry to investigate whether the innervation of the male prepuce undergoes age-
dependent changes, analyzing subjects aged 4 months to 61 years. Results: Abundant Meissner
corpuscles and Krause-like corpuscles were regularly found whose morphology, size, and
topography were variable and were not correlated with age.; also, scarce Ruffini’s and Pacinian
corpuscles were observed. The earliest evidence of Meissner corpuscles was observed at 4 months,
and thereafter they undergo significant age-dependent variations in density. Until the age of 20 years
increases progressively, remains stable until 40 years, and then the density decreases. Meissner's
corpuscle index paralleled that of density. Regarding Kause-like already resemble the skin of 4-
month-old subjects and from the age of 3 years they can be identified at all ages. Its density
significantly increased until 10 years and then remained stable. Conclusions: Present results state
that the mechanosensory innervation of the human foreskin reaches its maximum value around the
age of 20, remains stable during adulthood and decreases with maturity. These findings contribute
to a more complete understanding of foreskin innervation and add to the scientific knowledge base
surrounding the potential harm of removing a richly innervated structure.
Keywords: human male prepuce; cutaneous end-organ complexes – Meissner corpuscles; mucous
end-organ complexes – Krause corpuscles; mechanosensory innervations; age-dependent change
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