Scanning electron microscopy of celluloid replicas of the penile spines of the domestic cat

Abstract

Using scanning electron microscopy of celluloid impressions the feline penile spines in the adult and after castration were studied. A solution of celluloid in a mixture of amyl acetate was placed on the glans. The replica thus obtained was coated with gold in an ion-spatter coater, and observed under a scanning electron microscope (JSM-1). The structure of the penile spines and fine arrangement of superficial cells of the epidermis could be observed three-dimensionally. Since the penile spines are the only known external indicators of the level of male hormone in cats, and since their fine structure can be observed without excising the penile skin, this simple method can be applied for diagnosis of fertility of the male cat.