Pinheiro, PFFAlmeida, CCDSegatelli, T. M.Martinez, M.Padovani, C. R.Martinez, F. E.2014-05-202014-05-202002-05-01World Journal of Urology. New York: Springer-verlag, v. 20, n. 6, p. 378-384, 2002.0724-4983http://hdl.handle.net/11449/16903Objective: the urethra is the main port of entry of sexually transmitted pathogens. However, papers on the morphology of the urethra are scarce. The Mongolian gerbil is a rodent native of the Mongolia and China and has been utilized as a laboratory animal since the 1960s. This work describes the ultrastructure of the urethra of the Mongolian gerbil to provide data for future experimental studies. Methods: the urethra of ten adult male gerbils was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Results: the epithelium of the pelvic urethra possesses two cell types: I and II, without the formation of cellular layers, while the penile urethra possesses cellular layers: basal, intermediate and superficial. The urethra presents neurosecretory cells belonging to the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation system. Conclusions: the urethral epithelium of the gerbil is a neurosecretory epithelium, part of the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation system.378-384engurethraneurosecretory cellelectron microscopyrodentsgerbilArtigo10.1007/s00345-002-0311-2WOS:000183194200012Acesso restrito87278970805222891739564105219382