Evaluation of Extracellular Matrix Protein Composition in Sacs Associated with Undescended Testis, Hydrocele, Inguinal Hernia, and Peritoneum

The distribution and expression of laminin and types 1 and 4 collagen showed variability in the sacs associated with undescended testis, hydrocele, and inguinal hernia and the peritoneum. The tensile forces that the sacs associated with childhood inguinoscrotal abnormalities are exposed to per se could account for some of the differences seen between the inguinoscrotal tissues and anterior peritoneum. These differences in the extracellular matrix proteins could also reflect congenital properties of various childhood inguinoscrotal abnormalities.