Acceptor proteins of rat prostate residual chromatin

The androgen acceptor sites of the rat prostate residual chromatin (2 M NaCl insoluble fraction of chromatin) have been determined by steroid exchange assay, binding of translocated androgen-receptor complex in vitro, and solubilization of the acceptor protein(s) from the residual chromatin. Binding of [3H]dihydrotestosterone to the residual chromatin was saturable, displaying high affinity (Kd = 3.1 nM) and low capacity (6.3 nmol/mg of protein). The binding of [3H]dihydrotestosterone by the residual chromatin was androgen specific, as shown by steroid competition experiments. Intrachromatin binding study of translocated 5 alpha-[3H]dihydrotestosterone-receptor indicated that the residual chromatin contained 31% of the total chromatin-bound androgen, thus representing one of the major chromatin-androgen binding sites. The results suggested the presence of acceptor molecules in the residual chromatin with which the androgen-receptor interacted. To ascertain this, the residual chromatin was extracted with phenol, and the phenol-solubilized protein(s) was (were) assayed for acceptor activity by interaction with [3H]dihydrotestosterone-receptor complex. Comparison of phenol-solubilized residual proteins from rat prostate, spleen, and chicken erythrocyte indicated that [3H]dihydrotestosterone-receptor complex bound tissue specifically to the prostate residual protein and that the interaction required the presence of DNA. The possible importance of the residual DNA was examined by reannealing with cloned cDNAs coding for the subunit components of prostatic binding protein, an androgen-regulated oligomeric protein in rat prostate. The rates of reassociation kinetics of the residual DNA with the cDNAs were faster than with total DNA, equivalent to a 3-fold enrichment in prostatic binding protein coding sequences. The high salt resistant residual chromatin acceptor(s) thus appear(s) to be preferentially associated with androgen-activated genes.

Beta microseminoprotein is not a prostate-specific protein. Its identification in mucous glands and secretions

Beta microseminoprotein (beta inhibin, PSP94), an unglycosylated protein of 94 amino acids with unknown function, is one of the predominating proteins in the secretion of the human prostate gland. In this work the authors have demonstrated that the expression of beta microseminoprotein is not restricted to the prostate and that the protein has a previously unrecognized widespread occurrence in the human body. According to radioimmunoassay, beta microseminoprotein immunoreactivity is present in many nonprostatic body fluids. The highest concentrations were found in secretions from the respiratory tract; in tracheobronchial fluid sometimes even at concentrations comparable to that in seminal plasma (about 1 g/l). Intermediate concentrations were found in gastric juice and some samples of secretion from the uterine cervix, whereas tears, saliva, pancreatic juice, bile, and mucus from the colon had low concentrations. According to gel chromatography, the molecular size of the beta microseminoprotein immunoreactivity present in tracheal fluid, gastric juice, and secretion from the uterine cervix did not differ from that of beta microseminoprotein in seminal plasma. The beta microseminoprotein immunoreactive component present in gastric juice had the same amino-terminal amino acid sequence as prostatic beta microseminoprotein (14 residues identified in material purified from gastric juice), providing further evidence for chemical identity of a nonprostatic beta microseminoprotein with the prostatic protein. Immunohistochemical staining with affinity-purified antibodies demonstrated the presence of beta microseminoprotein in many tissues, including the goblet cells in the tracheobronchial epithelium, tracheobronchial submucosal glands, certain mucosal cells in the antrum of the stomach, some glands of Brunner in the duodenum, and in parts of the mucosa of the colon. At least in the respiratory tract, the staining was localized to mucus-containing cells. beta microseminoprotein immunoreactivity also was localized to the cilia of the ciliated epithelium in the respiratory tract, the fallopian tubes, and the Gartner ducts of the uterine cervix. The pattern of tissue distribution of beta microseminoprotein found in this work indicates a connection of beta microseminoprotein with mucous secretions.

Sertoli cells, proximal convoluted tubules in the kidney, and neurons in the brain contain cyclic protein-2

We analyze by immunocytochemistry the in vivo distribution in rat Sertoli cells of Cyclic Protein-2 (CP-2), which is maximally synthesized and secreted in vitro at stages VI and VII of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. This analysis demonstrates that CP-2 staining is strongest in Sertoli cells in stage VI and VII tubules. Additionally, we demonstrate that the staining for CP-2 within a stage VII tubule differs from the staining of another Sertoli cell secretory product, androgen-binding protein. CP-2 is not detected by immunocytochemistry in any other tissues of the reproductive tract, though immunoblot analysis demonstrates the presence of CP-2 in rete testis and epididymal fluids. CP-2 was immunocytochemically detected in only three other organs: the kidney, the brain (with greatest concentration in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei), and the posterior pituitary. The presence of CP-2 in the kidney was confirmed by metabolic radiolabeling, immunoprecipitation, and peptide analysis. The presence of CP-2 in the brain was confirmed by immunoblot analysis of radioinert protein immunoprecipitated from the anterior hypothalamus.

Localization of metallothionein in the genital organs of the male rat

We studied the immunohistological localization of metallothionein (MT), a low molecular weight metal binding protein, in male rat genital organs (testis, epididymis, ejaculatory duct, seminal vesicle, coagulating gland, and prostate) by use of the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. MT concentrations in testis, seminal vesicle, and prostate ranged from 15-30 micrograms/g tissue. In testis, seminiferous tubules with mature spermatozoa exhibited weak MT staining, whereas the tubules containing differentiating spermatogenic cells but not containing spermatozoa showed strong MT staining. No MT immunostaining was observed in Leydig cells. In growing rat testes, the pattern of MT immunostaining was found to change with development: MT was found in supporting cells only on Day 7, spermatogonia adjacent to basement membrane on Day 14, and spermatocytes localized in the central part of the tubules on Day 21. Strong MT immunostaining in the basal cells was a common feature in other genital tissues, except the ductus efferentes. In prostate, the strongest MT staining was found in the lateral lobe, and MT was localized in apocrine secretions in the dorsal lobe. The present results suggest a close association of MT with cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as possible involvement of MT in supply or storage of zinc ions.

Determination of nonconjugated and conjugated steroid levels in plasma and prostate after separation on C-18 columns

An accurate method is described for analysis of C-21, C-19, and C-18 steroids as well as steroid conjugates, namely, androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol glucuronide, androsterone glucuronide, estradiol glucuronide, and estrone glucuronide as well as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and androst-5-ene-3 beta,17 beta-diol sulfate. This technique involves an extraction step, aimed at solubilizing the nonconjugated steroids as well as the steroid sulfates and glucuronides, C-18 column chromatography, permitting the separation of nonconjugated steroids and the conjugated group followed by specific hydrolysis of the glucuronide and, finally, solvolysis of the steroid sulfates. Our data indicated that using 1 ml of plasma or 1 g of prostate, good recovery of the three groups of steroids was obtained. Moreover, an accurate determination of steroids could be achieved. The plasma levels of steroids in normal adult women and men found using our technique were within the range of those previously reported by us and other authors.

Diverse secretory patterns of clusterin by epididymis and prostate/seminal vesicles undergoing cell regression after orchiectomy

Nucleotide sequence analysis of the complimentary DNAs (cDNA) and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis have shown that clusterin is equivalent to sulfated glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2), testosterone-repressed prostate protein-2 (TRPP-2), and androgen-repressed protein (ARP) in the rat, as well as serum/seminal plasma protein, SP-40,40, in the human. In view of its widespread presence in various species, a specific RIA was established to quantify the tissue distribution of this protein. Rat clusterin is present in almost all organ tissues examined, including testis, epididymis, serum, liver, prostate, seminal vesicles, and uterus. Displacement curves generated using cytosols prepared from these organs were parallel to those obtained using purified rat clusterin and crude Sertoli cell-enriched culture medium. Immunoreactive clusterin was also visualized in these organ extracts by immunoblots. Studies on the tissue distribution of immunoreactive clusterin using RIA revealed that the concentration of clusterin in the epididymis of adult rats was 6- and 10-fold higher than that in the serum and testis, respectively and is 50- to 100-fold higher in the liver, spleen, kidney, brain, ventral prostate, seminal vesicles, and uterus. A study of the distribution of clusterin in various compartments of the epididymis indicated its concentration in the caput epididymis was almost 3-fold higher than that in the corpus and cauda epididymis. After orchiectomy, the concentrations of clusterin in the ventral prostate and seminal vesicles increased as much as 100- and 10-fold and peaked at day 4 after surgery, respectively; daily injection of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) beginning at day 3 after orchiectomy reduced the concentrations of clusterin and restored them to a normal level. A different pattern was noted in the epididymis after orchiectomy; the concentration of clusterin in the caput epididymis decreased with time; however, daily injection of DHT beginning at day 3 increased the caput epididymal clusterin concentration and restored it to a normal level. The concentration of clusterin was not altered in the corpus or cauda epididymis after castration and/or DHT administration. Also, the serum and liver clusterin levels did not change with time after orchiectomy. These observations suggest that clusterin will be a valuable marker to monitor the diverse effects of androgen withdrawal in the male reproductive tract. We conclude that clusterin may be a multifunctional protein in view of its broad tissue distribution and association with numerous physiological and pathological conditions.

Different carcinogenic responses in a variety of organs, including the prostate, of five different rat strains given 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl

Tumorigenic response in the prostate of F344, ACI, Lewis, CD and Wistar rat strains to 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMAB) was examined in relation to development of other types of tumors. Rats of each strain aged 6 weeks were divided into two groups receiving DMAB s.c. at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt once every other week for 10 times, with or without 1 week dietary ethynyl estradiol (EE) pretreatment. The experiment was terminated at week 60, carcinomas of the ventral prostate, all of microscopic size, being respectively found in 50, 17, 21, 15 and 0% of F344, ACI, Lewis, CD and Wistar strain animals treated with EE plus DMAB. The tumor yield correlated well with DMAB-DNA adduct formation. One invasive adenocarcinoma also developed in the periurethral part (occupying both of lateral and dorsal areas) of the prostate. The final survival rates were 46, 24, 65, 4 and 0% in F344, ACI, Lewis, CD and Wistar rats respectively. DMAB administration without EE pretreatment resulted in similar incidences of prostate tumors and mortalities. Tumors arose in greater than 14 different sites with strain dependency, lesions predominating in the skin/subcutis of ACI and F344, preputial gland of F344, urinary bladder of ACI, and mammary glands of CD rats respectively. Consideration of mortality and the relative incidence of prostate cancer and other types of tumors indicates the F344 rat strain to be the most appropriate for investigation of DMAB prostate carcinogenesis.

Expression of Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein and PSP-94 in prostatic adenocarcinoma. An immunohistochemical study of 88 cases

Zn-Alpha 2-Glycoprotein (Zn-Alpha 2-GP) and prostatic secretory protein of 94 amino-acids (PSP-94) were recently isolated from the human prostate. Their expression in benign and malignant well-differentiated and poorly differentiated components of 88 prostates with prostatic adenocarcinomas, and in 25 metastases, was evaluated using polyclonal antibodies developed against these antigens. Zn-Alpha 2-GP was present in benign hyperplastic glands in 91.1% of cases, but in only 40.7% (poorly differentiated component) to 48.5% (well-differentiated component) of prostatic adenocarcinomas, and in 8% of metastases. The expression of PSP-94 was present in 89.3% of benign hyperplastic glands, but in only 50% (well-differentiated adenocarcinoma component) to 57.3% (poorly differentiated component) of prostatic adenocarcinomas and 28% of metastases. The expression of these proteins by the tumor was unrelated to the initial stage and the tumor grade. Because of their low frequency in prostatic adenocarcinomas, especially in metastases, Zn-Alpha 2-GP and PSP-94 appear to have a limited diagnostic usefulness. Further studies are needed, however, to explore other clinical applications of these two new prostatic secretory proteins.

Antipeptide antibodies to two distinct regions of the androgen receptor localize the receptor protein to the nuclei of target cells in the rat and human prostate

We have developed polyclonal antibodies to two synthetic peptides corresponding to the amino-(N-)terminal or carboxyl-(C-)terminal segments of the human androgen receptor (hAR) protein, as deduced from the nucleic acid sequence of the androgen receptor cDNA. Immunoreactive antisera were identified by solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and purified by peptide affinity chromatography. Specific immunoreactivity with the hAR was confirmed by immunoblotting, using both a fusion protein produced in E. coli that contains the C-terminal 880-amino acid sequence of hAR and the full-length receptor protein produced in COS cells after transfection with a plasmid containing the entire hAR-coding region. Immunohistological evaluation of rat and human prostatic tissue using anti-C-terminal or anti-N-terminal antibodies demonstrated similar patterns of specific staining of the nuclei of epithelial and stromal cells. Castration resulted in a decrease in the amount of nuclear AR detected in the rat prostate after a short time of exposure to anti-C-terminal antibodies (less than 4 h), but did not alter the level of specific staining obtained with anti-N-terminal antibodies. This decrease in nuclear staining using anti-C-terminal antibodies could be reversed by treating castrated animals with dihydrotestosterone. When longer times of exposure to the primary antibodies were used, high levels of nuclear staining were obtained with both types of antibodies in prostate specimens from castrate as well as as intact rats. This immunohistochemical staining pattern contrasts with receptor measurements in rat prostate homogenates that indicate the partition of AR binding into the low salt (cytosolic) fraction in the castrate animal and into the high salt (nuclear) fraction in the intact animal. Our results suggest that the AR is predominantly a nuclear protein even in the absence of ligand and that dihydrotestosterone serves to tighten its association with the nucleus. These data also suggest that the immunoreactivity of anti-C-terminal antibodies is influenced by the presence of dihydrotestosterone, presumably via an alteration in the physical state of the receptor protein.

Autoradiographic localization of [3H]oestradiol in epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate of the fetal guinea-pig

The selective uptake and localization of radioactivity in the fetal male reproductive organs (epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate) of the guinea-pig (50-60 days of gestation) after in-vivo and in-situ subcutaneous injection of [3H]oestradiol was investigated by autoradiography. In 50-day-old fetuses, the different areas of the epididymis showed selective retention of radioactivity in the nuclei of peritubular and stromal cells surrounding the epididymal duct; no retention was observed in the epididymal epithelium. A similar distribution of silver grains was observed in the 60-day-old fetus. Seminal vesicles and prostate sections from both 50- and 60-day-old fetuses showed concentration and retention of radioactivity only in stromal cells, whereas the epithelium did not exhibit silver grains. In all the tissues studied, the nuclear labelling was abolished after injection of [3H]oestradiol plus a 100-fold excess of non-labelled oestradiol. As the mesenchyme surrounding the epithelia of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate were labelled selectively with [3H]oestradiol, it is suggested that during fetal life of the guinea-pig the mesenchymal stroma of these fetal male reproductive organs may be considered as a target tissue for oestrogen.

Combined use of oligo(dt) and 28S cDNA probes for the quantitation of total mRNA in polyribosomes: application to the castration-induced atrophy of the rat prostate

The castration-induced atrophy of the rat prostate was used as a model for the validation of a sensitive technique allowing the quantitation of total mRNA in polyribosomes. Electron micrographs of polyribosome samples showed a decrease in polyribosomes length 7 days after castration (GDX). Specificity of labeled oligo(dt) probe for poly(A) was demonstrated and the technique was successfully applied to demonstrate that GDX is associated with a decrease in poly(A) mRNA content of polyribosomes. Provided that normalization of the hybridization signal for mRNA is achieved with a rRNA cDNA probe, the assay therefore represents a suitable tool for further studies regarding the translational regulation of total and/or specific mRNAs.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of carcinogen-DNA adducts in target and non-target tissues of rats given a prostate carcinogen, 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl

An immunohistochemical procedure was applied which allows accurate localization of DNA lesions within organs and tissues of rats given 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMAB) using polyclonal antibodies against DMAB-DNA adducts. Dose-related nuclear staining was observed in organs regardless of DMAB-carcinogenic organotropism. In the male accessory sex organs, the lateral lobe of the prostate, a non-target site, demonstrated a similar staining intensity to that found for the ventral prostate and seminal vesicle, target sites. Orchiectomy and pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol resulted in a moderate to slight decrease in binding in the accessory sex organs. No observable decrease in staining intensity was evident in most organs 168 h after the administration of DMAB. These findings suggest that DNA adduct formation itself is not necessarily sufficient for tumor induction.

Stage B prostate adenocarcinoma. Flow cytometric nuclear DNA ploidy analysis

Over a 16-year period (1966 to 1981), 349 patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for pathologic stage B adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Nuclear DNA content was measured by flow cytometry on available archival material of 283 patients. Two hundred sixty-one patients (92%) had high-quality histograms. The ploidy distribution was as follows: DNA diploid, 177 (68%); DNA tetraploid, 74 (28%); and DNA aneuploid, 10 (4%). The average follow-up was 9.4 years. At the time of follow-up, 53 patients (20%) within the study group had developed tumor progression: 22 local, 23 systemic, and 8 both. The ploidy distribution of the population that developed tumor progression was 27 DNA diploid (51%), 16 DNA tetraploid (30%), and 10 DNA aneuploid (19%). This ploidy distribution is significantly different from that found for the nonprogression group with stage B disease. Overall, 31% of patients with DNA nondiploid tumors had tumors that progressed compared with 15% of patients with DNA diploid tumors. All (100%) DNA aneuploid tumors progressed. The DNA ploidy distribution of all pathologic stage B prostate cancers differs significantly from that found in more advanced stages (C and D1) previously reported for the same time interval. However, the ploidy distribution of stage B tumors that progressed closely resembles that of the stage C and D1 tumors. These results further support the working hypothesis that nuclear DNA content has marked prognostic significance for patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. It seems to us that analysis of ploidy by flow or static cytometry will become an essential tool for treating patients with localized prostate cancer.

Association of androgen binding sites with the endoplasmic reticulum of rat ventral prostate

Microsomes from ventral prostate of 24-h castrated rats contain a single set of tissue-specific high-affinity, low-capacity androgen binding sites. These sites are indigenous to the endoplasmic reticulum, as shown by purification procedures associated with marker enzymes and electron microscopic analyses. When prostatic microsomal membranes are separated from plasma membranes using the nuclear or the mitochondrial pellets as the source of fractionation in sucrose gradients, the androgen binding activity is selectively associated with fractions rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. Eighty-four percent of the total content of Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and only 27% of the total binding capacity were concentrated in fractions rich in smooth-surfaced vesicular membranes, when nuclear suspensions constituted the membrane source. In contrast, the region of the same gradient when enriched in rough endoplasmic reticulum and deficient in plasma membrane content contained 73% of the androgen-binding capacity and only 14% of the ATPase. For fractions collected using mitochondrial suspensions as starting material, the ratio (total glucose-6-phosphatase/total binding capacity) was closer to 1.0 than similar ratios of ATPase/binding capacity, indicating co-sedimentation of binding sites with microsomal membranes and not with plasma membranes. Na+/K+ ATPase, but not 5' nucleotidase, is a valid plasma membrane marker for ventral prostate. Microsomal androgen receptors may constitute a new level of regulation of androgen action in target cells.

Elevated transferrin receptor content in human prostate cancer cell lines assessed in vitro and in vivo

Transferrin receptors (TfR) were measured in benign and malignant prostatic cells by performing Scatchard analysis following the administration of 125I-transferrin. Established human prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3 and DU-145) as well as biologically aggressive variants (PC-3 ASC and PC-3 DES) were shown to possess significant levels of high affinity TfR when assessed in vitro. In contrast, TfR content was negligible in cultured stromal cell fractions derived from human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) specimens. Scatchard analysis was also performed on in vivo derived prostatic tissues: tumors resulting from the subcutaneous xenografting of PC-3 ASC cells into athymic, nude mice and fresh BPH surgical specimens. These tissues were dissociated and their stromal and epithelial components separated. TfR were only detected in the epithelial component of both malignant and benign epithelial cells. PC-3 ASC tumor cells exhibited TfR levels comparable to their in vitro expression and these levels were 10-fold greater than in the BPH cells. These findings suggest that elevated TfRs may serve as another useful marker of the transformed phenotype within human prostate tumor systems.

Effects of epidermal growth factor and androgen influences on accessory sex glands in prepubertal Swiss-Webster mice

The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on androgen stimulation of accessory sex gland growth and biochemistry were determined for prepubertal male Swiss-Webster mice. For the seminal vesicle and anterior prostate, 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha DHT) treatment significantly increased the quantitative levels of organ wet weight, DNA content, polyamine content, and stereologically determined epithelium and lumen volumes above the control group. EGF treatment alone slightly enhanced the levels of most measured parameters from control values. However, when a combined EGF&5 alpha DHT treatment was compared with 5 alpha DHT treatment alone, the 5 alpha DHT treatment effects on epithelial and lumen volumes and polyamine content were antagonized by the action of EGF.

Primary explant culture of human prostate tissue: a model for the study of prostate physiology and pathology

An explant of human prostate tissue containing viable acini will give rise in vitro to an outgrowth of epithelial cells of presumed basal cell origin. These cells can be passaged by trypsinization, undergo numerous population doublings (up to 50-60), and attempt a normal pattern of differentiation, which may succeed, to varying degrees, depending on conditions of culture. The system can serve as a useful model for analysis of the role of hormones, growth factors, cytoskeletal elements, cell-cell interactions, and of the basement membrane both in normal physiology and in pathology of the prostate. The system also should prove useful in the evaluation of the possible roles of chemical carcinogens, radiation, and viral or cellular oncogenes in carcinogenesis. Moreover, the model system should be useful in the evaluation of chemical, physical, or biological agents for treatment or prevention of prostate cancers.

Uptake of trimethoprim and metronidazole in the seminal vesicle: experimental study

A rat model for determining drug levels in the seminal vesicle was developed. In separate studies, trimethoprim and metronidazole were injected intravenously into rats and assays of seminal vesicle, plasma, and prostate performed. Drug levels were detected early in both the seminal vesicle and prostate. This appears to be the first study to report drug levels in the seminal vesicle. Metronidazole levels in the seminal vesicle were very low and short lived.

Species- and organ-specificity of secretory proteins derived from human prostate and seminal vesicles

Polyclonal antibodies against semenogelin (SG) isolated from human seminal vesicle secretion and acid phosphatase (PAP), beta-microseminoprotein (beta-MSP), and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) derived from human prostatic fluid, as well as a monoclonal antibody against beta-MSP were used for immunocytochemical detection of the respective antigens in different organs from different species. SG immunoreactivity was detected in the epithelium of the pubertal and adult human and in monkey seminal vesicle, ampulla of the vas deferens, and ejaculatory duct. PAP, beta-MSP, and PSA immunoreactivities were detected in the pubertal and adult human prostate and the cranial and caudal monkey prostate. With the exception of a weak PSA immunoreactivity in the proximal portions of the ejaculatory duct, none of the latter antisera reacted with seminal vesicle, ampullary, and ejaculatory duct epithelium. Among the non-primate species studied (dog, bull, rat, guinea pig) only the canine prostatic epithelium displayed a definite immunoreactivity with the PAP antibody and a moderate reaction with the PSA antibody. No immunoreaction was seen in bull and rat seminal vesicle and canine ampulla of the vas deferens with the SG antibody. The same was true for the (ventral) prostate of rat, bull, and dog for beta-MSP. The epithelium of the rat dorsal prostate showed a slight cross-reactivity with the monoclonal antibody against beta-MSP and one polyclonal antibody against PSA. The findings indicate a rather strict species-dependent expression of human seminal proteins which show some similarities in primates, but only marginal relationship to species with different physiology of seminal fluid.

Southern blot analysis with synthetic oligonucleotides. Application to prostatic protein genes

1. An ethanol precipitation procedure was developed to purify radiolabeled DNA and oligonucleotide probes to be used in Southern blots. 2. The radiolabeled probes produced strong hybridization signals on a clear background on Southern blot analysis of single gene copies even after 5 days of exposure on X-ray films. 3. An oligonucleotide probe complementary to human glandular kallikrein-1 coding region (amino acids 161-167) detected a single DNA fragment after digestion with Bam H1, Hind III or Pst 1. 4. Another oligonucleotide probe coding for the same region of human prostate-specific antigen detected 3 DNA fragments on Southern blots by contrast to a 1.5 kb full length cDNA probe which detected the presence of only one strong hybridization signal. 5. Oligonucleotide probes appear to be excellent tools for gene mapping. Their sensitivity, specificity and limitations can be compared to the one of monoclonal antibodies used in epitope mapping of proteins.

Immunohistochemical localization of progesterone receptor in benign and malignant human prostate

A monoclonal antibody to progesterone receptor, KD68, was used to localize this receptor protein in 31 surgical specimens of benign and malignant human prostate. Progesterone receptor was detected almost exclusively in stromal cells. The most striking finding was the periacinar arrangement of stained cells in some specimens of glandular BPH, sometimes associated with close apposition of stained cells to the basement membrane of the acinar epithelium. In both benign and malignant specimens scattered stained cells were observed in some areas of fibromuscular stroma. Except for occasional stained epithelial cells in one benign and one estrogen-treated malignant specimen, both benign and malignant epithelium were negative.

Morphological and immunohistochemical investigations of the utriculus prostaticus from the fetal period up to adulthood

We investigated the utriculus prostaticus from the fetal period up to adulthood in 148 prostates. During the second half of gestation the utriculus had a simple tubular or a cystic form and was lined with metaplastic squamous epithelium which showed immunohistochemical positivity for different keratins, carcinoembryonic antigen, and peanut agglutinin binding sites. After birth, alveolar outgrowths of the utriculus developed. After puberty, the utriculus had become a complicated and variable structure. The epithelium no longer differed from that of the prostate glands either morphologically or immunohistochemically. Within the epithelium numerous endocrine cells were found containing neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin, and serotonin. The utriculus and ejaculatory ducts were embedded in a fibrous stroma with, after birth, numerous plexus-like blood vessels. This fibrous zone was peripherally bordered by a layer of smooth muscle. There was no evidence for a function of the utriculus differing from that of the prostate glands. Since the epithelium of both structures is identical immunohistochemically, the epithelium of the sinus urogenitalis most likely particpates in the lining of the utriculus during embryogenesis.

Histological localization of estrogen receptors in normal and diseased human prostates by immunocytochemistry

The role of estrogens and estrogen receptors (ER) in the human prostate remains unresolved. In this study we have used the monoclonal ER antibody H222 to investigate the histological localization of ER in normal and diseased human prostates by immunocytochemistry. Prostate tissue was obtained from 3 young organ donors (Group I-normal prostate), from 14 prostates removed by radical prostatectomy or radical cystoprostatectomy, which had caused no or only mild obstructive symptoms (Group II-non-obstructive prostate), and from 11 prostates removed by suprapubic prostatectomy, which had caused severe obstructive symptoms due to a large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Group III-obstructive prostate). In prostates of all groups ER were found to be in nuclei of the prostatic urethra and of the periurethral prostatic duct. In striking contrast, ER in the interglandular prostatic stroma was not as homogeneous among the different groups. We observed a low concentration of ER in the stroma of normal prostates, the highest concentration in non-malignant stroma of non-obstructive prostates, and no ER at all in stroma of obstructive prostates. Based on the immunocytochemical localization of ER in normal and diseased human prostate, our results indicate that stromal growth in obstructive BPH may not be mediated via ER. However, we cannot exclude that an increase of stromal ER concentration (as observed in non-obstructive prostates) is directly involved in induction of BPH, leading further prostate growth thereafter into an estrogen independent state.

Evidence of mucin M1 antigens in seminal plasma and normal cells of human prostatic urethra in relation to embryonic development and tumors

By employing immunoperoxidase methodology, using monoclonal antibodies against the peptide core of gastric mucins (M1 antigens), we demonstrate the presence of M1 mucin-producing cells that are associated with the prostatic urethral epithelium and located mainly in the veru montanum area near the prostatic ductal and utriculus junctions. The significance of these M1 cells is not yet clear. Using an immunoradiometric assay, these M1 mucins were found predominantly in the prostatic fraction obtained from seminal plasma. By chromatography on Sepharose 6B and 2B and cesium chloride gradient centrifugation, we demonstrate that high-molecular-weight components (greater than 10(7) Da) show a density of 1.45 g/ml, similar to mucins, and are immunochemically related to peptidic gastric M1 mucins. The particular location of these M1 antigens in prostatic adult urethra and their fetal expression in cloacal structures suggest that, in males, the prostatic urethral epithelium includes some remnant cells from the enteric cloaca. Finally, the presence of mucin-containing cells in the prostatic urethra could possibly explain the histogenesis of the rare benign villous tumors and primary mucinous adenocarcinomas arising from the prostatic urethral epithelium.

Estrogen and progestin receptors in the reproductive tract of male and female primates

With the aid of monoclonal antibodies specific to the estrogen and progestin receptors, we have examined the cellular localization of these proteins in the reproductive tract of male and female macaques. Two striking findings have resulted from our work with these new reagents. First, these receptors are detectable only in cell nuclei, regardless of hormonal treatment, and second, they are often detectable in stromal, but not epithelial cells when the epithelial cells undergo various estrogen or progestin-dependent events. The latter observation has led us to conclude that stromal cell-epithelial cell interactions may play previously unappreciated roles in the hormonal control of the primate reproductive tract. The lines of evidence that have drawn us to this conclusion will be reviewed.

Study of estramustine binding protein (EMBP): purification of rat EMBP and establishment of RIA

Estramustine binding protein (EMBP) was purified from the ventral prostate of the rat using DEAE-cellulose chromatography, concanavalin-A affinity chromatography and DEAE-sepharose chromatography. At the final step of the purification, two different peaks (Peaks A and B) of A280 nm were obtained. Peak A had a high binding activity to [3H] estramustine. On the other hand, Peak B had a low binding activity. On the analysis of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Peak A gave two protein bands, whereas Peak B gave a single band. The molecular weight of the markedly stained band of Peak A was approximately 27,000, whereas that of Peak B was 18,000, as estimated by analysis of Fargusson's plot. The antibody against Peak B was used for establishing a radioimmunoassay (RIA) of EMBP. The sensitivity of this assay system was sufficient to measure of 1 ng of EMBP. The dilution curve of rat prostatic cytosol was paralleled with the standard curve. As a result obtained from this RIA, the mean concentration of immunoreactive EMBP was 8.01 ng/mg cytosol protein in human benign hyperplastic prostate (BPH) and 4.28 ng/mg protein in human prostatic carcinoma (PC), respectively. These results here obtained indicate that human prostate has an immunoreactive protein to the purified EMBP obtained from the ventral lobe of rat prostate.

Serum prostate-specific antigen and prostate pathology in men having simple prostatectomy

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a sensitive and specific serum marker for monitoring disease activity in men with prostatic carcinoma. Despite reports of elevation of levels of this analyte in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, no information is available correlating the serum levels with the actual prostatic abnormalities in men having prostatectomy for presumed benign disease. In the present investigation, the authors compared preoperative serum PSA levels with prostate disease in 81 men with bladder outlet obstruction. Five pathologic groups were found: incidental high-grade carcinoma (n = 3), low-grade carcinoma (n = 11), acute inflammation (n = 16) with or without chronic inflammation, Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) (n = 25), and benign hyperplasia (n = 26). Serum PSA levels were significantly elevated in both low- and high-grade carcinoma, acute inflammation, and PIN when compared with the patients with benign hyperplasia with and without chronic inflammation. Within the four groups with elevated levels, use of PSA levels could separate only the high-grade cancer patients who were subsequently shown to have metastatic disease. Only one patient with simple hyperplasia had PSA levels in the abnormal range.

Studies on the mechanism of action of Win 49596: a steroidal androgen receptor antagonist

Win 49596 is an orally active antiandrogen in the rat. This report describes a series of in vitro and in vivo studies which were performed to characterize the mechanism of action of this compound. In vitro competition and Lineweaver-Burk analyses indicate that Win 49596 binds competitively to the rat ventral prostate androgen receptor with a Ki of 2.2 +/- 0.4 microM. Similar to other androgen antagonists, the relative binding affinity (RBA) of Win 49596 was greater after 1 h of incubation with androgen receptor than after an 18 h incubation (RBA of 2.2 versus 0.05, respectively). Win 49596 did not bind to rat cytosolic uterine estrogen or progesterone receptors or thymus glucocorticoid receptors. Furthermore, Win 49596 did not inhibit rat ventral prostate 5 alpha-reductase or 3 alpha-oxidoreductase, rat adrenal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase or human placental aromatase activity in vitro at concentrations as high as 10 microM. A series of in vivo studies demonstrated that Win 49596 inhibited the uptake of [3H]testosterone as well as testosterone-induced nuclear accumulation of androgen receptor in the rat ventral prostate. Collectively, these results support direct androgen receptor antagonism as the mechanism for the antiandrogenic effects of Win 49596.

Characterization of polyclonal antibodies against the N-terminal domain of the human androgen receptor

Antibodies against the N-terminal domain of the human androgen receptor (hAR) were prepared by two different approaches. Firstly, rabbits were immunized with a beta-galactosidase-hAR (amino acids (aa) 174-353) fusion protein. Secondly, two synthetic peptides corresponding to potentially antigenic sites located within this fragment (aa 201-222 and 301-320) were used as immunogens. The obtained antisera contained high titer anti-hAR antibodies as was established with several independent methods (e.g. sucrose gradient centrifugation, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting). The two anti-peptide antisera specifically stained nuclei of glandular epithelial cells in frozen sections of human prostate tissue. Progesterone, estradiol and glucocorticoid receptors were not immunoprecipitated with these antisera. The specific hAR antibodies provide new tools for the characterization of this steroid receptor as well as for diagnostic purposes in pathology of the human prostate and androgen resistance.

Establishment and characterization of monoclonal antibody against androgen receptor

Hybrid cell lines were prepared by the fusion of BALB/c myeloma NS-1 cells with the lymphocytes of BALB/c mice that were immunized with partially purified androgen receptor (AR) from human prostates. Nine clones of the hybrid progeny were determined for the production of antibodies against AR by immunoprecipitation assay. One of the clones, referred to as "5F4", was chosen for analysis of the detailed specificity. The clone "5F4" secreted IgM class antibodies against AR. Competition study demonstrated that "5F4" antibody inhibited androgen binding of AR, suggesting that the antibody identifies androgen binding site of AR. Immunoblotting analysis showed that the antibody identified the ARs as two proteins, 95 kD and 41 kD proteins, on a sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel. It is suspected that a 95 kD protein should be a monomeric AR and a 41 kD protein is a proteolytic fragment of AR. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that androgen-dependent tissues--human prostatic hypertrophy tissues, an AR abundant prostatic cancer tissue and fibroblast cells from human genital skin--were stained intensely with "5F4" monoclonal antibody, while androgen-independent tissues--fibroblast cells from lymph nodes, an AR deficient prostatic cancer tissue and human prostatic cancer cell line, PC-3--showed no staining. These results also support the specificity of the antibody for AR.

Evaluation of cytokeratin markers to differentiate between benign and malignant prostatic tissue

Cytokeratins are intermediate filaments found within basal and secretory epithelial cells. Antisera raised against cytokeratins are available but frequently differ in specificity. Many are incompletely characterized for their reactivity against epithelial components. Cytokeratin (Cyto) P is a polyclonal antisera specific for 56 and 64 kd cytokeratins. Cyto M is a pool of monoclonals reacting against 40, 46, 50, 52, 58, and 65-67 kd cytokeratins. Initially, utilizing immunohistologic techniques, we evaluated these two antisera for their ability to distinguish between prostatic tissues of benign (benign prostatic hypertrophy [BPH]) or malignant (carcinoma of the prostate [CAP]) origin in the 34 cases evaluated. Specimens were analyzed for both Cyto P and Cyto M reactivity, as well as for the degree of reactivity. Lastly, in an effort to determine the morphologic relationship of atypical hyperplasia (AH) with either BPH or CAP, nine additional prostate specimens were analyzed. Cyto P was reactive in 8 of 8 (100%) BPH specimens and in 2 of 26 (8%) CAP specimens. Mean Cyto P degree of reactivity in the positive specimens was greater in BPH than in CAP (2.6 vs. 1.0). Cyto M reactivity was present in 8 of 8 (100%) BPH specimens and in 23 of 25 (92%) CAP specimens. Mean Cyto M degree of reactivity in the positive specimens was greater in CAP than in BPH (3.6 vs. 2.8). Cyto P was reactive in 3 of 9 (33%) AH specimens, with a mean degree of reactivity of 2.7. Cyto M was reactive in 9 of 9 (100%) AH specimens, with a mean degree of reactivity of 3.9. Cyto P reacted with only the basal cells, whereas Cyto M reacted with basal as well as secretory cells. These differences appeared to be the result of the differential reactivity of basal cells, which are present in BPH but absent in CAP. In summary, Cyto P and Cyto M are potentially useful markers in differentiating BPH from CAP, and it appears that AH is immunohistopathologically related to both.

Prostate specific antigen--a screening test for prostatic cancer?

A series of 287 patients referred by their family doctors with symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction were asked to attend the hospital for "pre-clinic" screening for carcinoma of prostate (CaP). Blood samples were collected from 211 patients and analysed for serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). Thirty-six patients had a serum PSA greater than 10 micrograms/l and 7 had PAP levels greater than 5 iu/l. In no instance was the PAP elevated without an associated increase in PSA concentration. Patients with raised markers underwent further investigations which included prostatic biopsy and/or resection; 17 patients were proved to have carcinoma of the prostate, 9 of whom had distant metastases. The specificity of PSA for detecting prostate cancer in this study was 90% with a sensitivity of 89.5%, in contrast to values for PAP of 100% and 36.8%. The routine use of PAP as a marker for prostatic cancer should be abandoned. The use of PSA as a screening test in a group of patients with prostatism appears justified, but with a positive predictive value of only 47%, its use in a mass unselected screening programme is not recommended.

Studies on the characterization of rat prostate androgen receptors

In the presence of sodium molybdate and protease inhibitors, two forms of androgen-receptor complexes were observed which sedimented in the areas of 8-9S and 5-7S by SDG centrifugation. The intermediary 5-7S form was better seen when complexes were incubated at low KCl concentrations. The sedimentation coefficient of this form fluctuated between 5 and 7S depending on the KCl concentration. At high ionic strength (0.6M KCl) in all media, one form only was observed having a sedimentation coefficient value of 4.3S. By gel exclusion chromatography, we also observed two specific entities at 75A and 68A; in the presence of 0.6M KCl, however, two entities were found at 68A and 43A. The constant presence of protease inhibitors in all buffers was necessary to separate the intermediary 68A form. We calculated molecular weights of about 270 kDa, 190 kDa, and 80 kDa respectively for these three forms. [3H]R1881-receptor complexes bound to DEAE-cellulose and were eluted in the absence of glycerol at 0.1M and 0.2M KCl. Material found at 0.1M KCl sedimented in the areas of 5-7S and 8-9S in nearly equal proportion, and that found at 0.2M KCl sedimented in the 8-9S area only. When the cytosol was chromatographed at a fast flow rate (4 ml/min), untransformed 8-9S receptors did not bind to phosphocellulose, but transformed complexes were retained, could be eluted with 0.4M KCl and sedimented in the 4S area on KCl free SDG centrifugation. When the excluded untransformed 8-9S complexes were re-chromatographed at a slow flow rate (1 ml/min), they were retained on phosphocellulose, and could be eluted with 0.3M KCl.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Apparent deficiency of metallothionein in the Wistar rat prostate

The high affinity metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) is thought to detoxify cadmium (Cd) but appears to be deficient in several known targets of Cd carcinogenesis. The rat ventral prostate (VP) was recently identified as one of these target tissues. The nature of the Cd-binding proteins in the prostate has not been well defined, and thus this study attempted to define the nature of these proteins in the Wistar rat. A Zn-, Cd-binding protein fraction in the low-molecular-weight range was seen by gel filtration in cytosol from either dorsal prostate (DP) or VP. These prostatic proteins eluted with a relative elution volume similar to that of authentic MT, and were extractable by heat treatment and sequential acetone precipitation, a technique originally developed for purification of MT. Preparations of such partially purified prostatic protein were further purified using a reverse-phase HPLC technique developed for MT isoform isolation. One form was detected from the VP while the DP displayed five separate forms, eluting in a range like that of the two isoforms of rat MT. However, on the basis of amino acid content, none of these prostatic forms were classifiable as MTs, due to the absence of cysteine, a very common amino acid in MT. Unlike MT which is devoid of aromatic amino acids, the prostatic proteins also contained significant amounts of tyrosine and phenylalanine. The prostatic proteins also contained much more glutamate than MT. Cadmium treatment, which is known to cause a marked induction of MT, did not alter levels of this protein in the prostate, while markedly increasing hepatic MT. The present results indicate that these low-molecular-weight Cd-, Zn-binding proteins present in the rat prostate are not MTs and provide a further correlation between MT deficiency and sensitivity to the carcinogenic effects of Cd.

The neuroendocrine prostate: characterization and quantitation of calcitonin in the human gland

Calcitonin was extracted from surgically-derived prostate tissue, and quantified using radioimmunoassay. Normal prostatic specimens contained 15.18 +/- 10.03 ng./gm. wet weight (mean +/- S.D., n = 20), with a range of 1.50 to 39.62 ng./gm. The result for the hyperplastic tissue samples (n = 20) averaged 0.63 +/- 0.39 ng./gm. with a range of 0.22 to 1.49 ng./gm. This difference was statistically significant (p less than .0001). Dilution profiles for the prostatic calcitonin and synthetic monomeric human calcitonin were congruent, suggesting that the two peptides are identical. A comparison of calcitonin levels and the number of immunohistochemically derived neuroendocrine cells in contiguous tissue sections showed an empiric correlation. The mean calcitonin level in normal human prostate tissue was found to exceed values previously reported for numerous other organs, with the exception of the thyroid gland, the principal source of circulating calcitonin. We propose that a subpopulation of neuroendocrine cells within the prostate gland produce calcitonin, as is the case in the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and other organs. Our findings also support the hypothesis that the calcitonin found in seminal fluid originates in the prostate. Putative roles for calcitonin in the genitourinary system are discussed.

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of enrofloxacin and its primary metabolite ciprofloxacin in canine serum and prostatic tissue

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in canine serum and prostatic tissue. Sample preparation consisted of mixing canine serum with a 1:1 dilution of acetonitrile and 0.1 M sodium hydroxide followed by ultrafiltration through a 10,000 molecular mass cut-off filter. Prostatic tissue was sonicated with the same solution prior to ultrafiltration. Separation of these two quinolones in the ultrafiltrate was accomplished by ion-paired liquid chromatography using a reversed-phase analytical column eluted with an acetonitrile-methanol-water solution. Enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were detected by a photometric ultraviolet-visible detector set at 278.6 nm and confirmed by a photodiode array detector operating from 230 to 360 nm. The limits of detection for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were 4 and 2 ng/ml, respectively.

High-dose ketoconazole in advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer: endocrinologic and clinical effects

High-dose ketoconazole (400 mg orally three times a day) and physiologic replacement doses of glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone, 20 mg 8 AM, 10 mg 4 PM, and 8 PM) were administered to 38 patients with advanced prostatic cancer, refractory to at least initial testicular androgen deprivation. Thirty patients were completely evaluable; six were withdrawn due to possible ketoconazole-related toxicity and were considered drug failures. Two patients were unevaluable due to intercurrent therapy or inability to maintain follow-up. Ketoconazole was generally well tolerated. Mild or moderate nausea and vomiting occurred in 37% of patients, but required dose modification or discontinuation in only three patients; no hepatic damage was seen. Five of 36 patients (14%) responded to ketoconazole as determined by palpable or radiographic tumor mass reduction of 50% or greater and normalization of acid phosphatase or bone scan. Fifty percent of patients entered were stable at 90 days. Plasma androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were reduced markedly in almost all patients. Plasma testosterone (T) levels were low and remained unchanged, while gonadotropins were persistently elevated. Mean plasma ketoconazole content was 6.6 micrograms/mL after 28 days of therapy. While ketoconazole with hydrocortisone does suppress plasma androgens in advanced prostatic cancer patients, this infrequently causes regression of cancer that has progressed despite adequate testicular androgen ablation.

Immunohistochemical localization of relaxin in human prostate

We identified relaxin in human male prostate by use of an anti-human relaxin analogue polyclonal antibody and the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. The antibody was obtained by immunizing a rabbit with a synthetic human relaxin analogue which has 95% sequence homology with native human relaxin. Human prostate tissues incubated with the anti-human relaxin analogue exhibited positive immunostaining up to an antibody dilution of 1:3200. Inhibition of immunostaining with this antibody by excess relaxin analogue demonstrated specificity of the antibody. The exact role of relaxin in human male reproductive physiology remains to be fully elucidated.

Autoradiographic analysis of alpha-adrenoceptors and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the hyperplastic human prostate

Radioligand receptor binding and autoradiography were used to characterize, localize and compare alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptors and muscarinic cholinergic receptor populations in human benign prostatic hyperplastic tissue. The binding of selective alpha-1 and alpha-2 ligands, [3H]-prazosin and [3H]-UK 14,304, to homogenates of human central and peripheral prostate was saturable and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis produced an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 0.51 +/- 0.10 nM for alpha-1 adrenoceptors, and 2.34 +/- 0.40 nM for alpha-2 adrenoceptors. The mean densities, Bmax, of alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptors identified in the human adenomatous prostate were 65.9 +/- 12.9 and 36.1 +/- 7.0 fmoles/mg. protein respectively. Receptor autoradiography was used to examine the distribution of muscarinic cholinergic receptors [( 3H]-QNB), alpha-1 adrenoceptors [( 3H]-prazosin]), and alpha-2 adrenoceptors [( 3H]-rauwolscine) on consecutive sections of benign hyperplastic prostatic tissue. Although both subtypes of adrenoceptor were seen in the stromal component of the hyperplastic prostate, there was a substantial predominance of alpha-1 adrenoceptors. A densitometric computer-assisted analysis was performed on the autoradiographic slides to determine the mean ratio of specific alpha-1: alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the stromal compartment of the hyperplastic tissue. The ratio, expressed as % grain occupancy/unit area, was 3.9 +/- 0.75, which is in agreement with a functional alpha-1 adrenoceptor predominance shown in previous studies. Although sparsely distributed in the stroma, a dense alpha-2 adrenoceptor population was seen in association with blood vessels, and in close proximity to the base of some of the [3H]-QNB-labelled prostatic glandular epithelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serum prostate-antigen levels in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy treated with leuprolide

We studied serum prostate-specific antigen levels in 12 men with benign prostatic hypertrophy treated with a long-acting GnRH analogue, leuprolide, 1 mg (0.2 mL) sc. daily for six months. The average decrease in prostate size measured by ultrasound was 45 percent after six months with concomitant improvement in the obstructive symptoms of prostatism. There was a steady decline in serum PSA levels which paralleled the decrease in prostate size. One patient who discontinued treatment after six months demonstrated both a regrowth of his prostate and a rise in serum PSA levels to pretreatment levels four months post-discontinuation of treatment. We conclude that treatment with a GnRH analogue caused reversible involution of prostatic epithelial cells with parallel effects on serum PSA levels. Consideration of the initial prostate size together with the serum PSA levels can help predict the response to medical castration in men with BPH.

Calcitonin, katacalcin, and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the human prostate. An immunocytochemical and immunoelectron microscopic study

We recently described for the first time the presence of calcitonin immunoreactivity (CTIR) in a subpopulation of prostatic and urethral endocrine-paracrine (EP) cells. We now further evaluate the distribution of the CTIR cell, characterize the coexistence of serotonin and calcitonin, and for the first time describe the coexpression of calcitonin and other calcitonin gene family peptides (calcitonin gene-related peptide and katacalcin) in the CTIR cell. Finally, the morphological ultrastructure of the secretory granule of the CTIR cell is analyzed. The finding of multiple calcitonin gene family peptides in prostatic and urethral EP cells and the specific localization of calcitonin to secretory granules strongly suggest that the calcitonin gene is expressed in this region and the products stored in the EP cells. The relatively high levels of calcitonin reported in the semen and the dendritic and nondendritic morphological features of the CTIR cell, respectively, suggest a lumencrine (exocrine), paracrine, and possibly endocrine role for calcitonin. The production of calcitonin and related peptides by the prostate may have implications in various pathologic processes of the prostate.

Distribution of soltriol [1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3] binding sites in male sex organs of the mouse: an autoradiographic study

After injection of [3H]-1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (soltriol), nuclear labeling is found in Sertoli cells of testes, being highest at the stage of spermiosis, in epithelium of efferent ductules and caput epididymidis and in connective tissue cells of epididymis, in lamina propria and muscular sheath of deferent duct, and in epithelium and muscular sheath of dorsal and ventral prostate of the mouse. This labeling pattern is characteristic for [3H]-soltriol and differs from that for [3H]-dihydrotestosterone and [3H]-estradiol, although with overlap. The nuclear labeling with [3H]-soltriol suggests an action of the hormone on certain processes during spermatogenesis, on sperm maturation, on epididymal fluid resorption, and on secretion and transport of spermatozoa.

The androgen-dependent rat prostate protein, probasin, is a heparin-binding protein that co-purifies with heparin-binding growth factor-1

Rat prostate extracts contain an abundant 20-22 kilodalton heparin-binding protein with near identical chromatographic properties, but only 0.2-1% of the mitogenic activity, of bovine brain heparin-binding growth factor-1 (acidic fibroblast growth factor). Amino terminal amino acid sequence (met-met-thr-asp-lys-asn-leu-lys-lys-lys-ile-glu-gly-asn-trp-arg-thr-val -tyr- leu-ala-ala-ser-?-val-glu-lys-ile-asn-glu-gly-ser-pro) and immunochemical analysis revealed that the protein is identical to the androgen-dependent protein "probasin".

Localization of lactoferrin in the male reproductive tract

The immunohistochemical localization of lactoferrin in the normal human prostate, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, epididymis and testis was studied using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method at the light and electron microscopical level. Lactoferrin immunoreactivity was localized in the glandular epithelial cells and granulocytes in the prostate and seminal vesicle. In the prostate, lactoferrin showed an uneven distribution; some of the glands contained exclusively positive cells and others were completely lactoferrin negative, while the rest contained scattered positive cells. The seminal vesicles were divided into three segments, and their lactoferrin content varied significantly although it was always epithelial. The ductus deferens, epididymis and testis contained no lactoferrin. In conclusion, lactoferrin was found in the prostate and seminal vesicles, but not in the testis.

A novel peptide, pyroglutamylglutamylproline amide, in the rabbit prostate complex, structurally related to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone

A novel peptide which cross-reacts with an antibody to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone has been isolated and characterized from the rabbit prostate complex. The peptide exhibited an amino acid composition of Glx1.7, Pro1.0, and automatic gas phase sequence analysis after mild acid hydrolysis established the sequence Glu-Glu-Pro. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry gave a pseudomolecular ion (M + H)+ of 355.2 confirming that the prostate peptide has the structure of pGlu-Glu-Pro-NH2. This peptide differs from authentic thyrotrophin-releasing hormone by the substitution of glutamic acid for histidine at position 2.

Heparin-binding growth factor gene expression and receptor characteristics in normal rat prostate and two transplantable rat prostate tumors

Heparin-binding polypeptide growth factors (HBGF) are essential mitogens for isolated prostate cells. HBGF type one (HBGF-1) mRNA was expressed specifically in the epithelial cells of prostates from normal 6- to 8-week-old rats. Expression declined significantly at 14 weeks and was undetectable in 35-week-old animals. Slow-growing, androgen-responsive, nonmetastatic Dunning R3327PAP tumors, which are composed of a well-defined epithelium and stroma, expressed HBGF-1 mRNA constitutively in specifically the mesenchymal cells. A rapid-growing, androgen-independent, metastatic variant (Dunning R3327AT-3), which was composed of a single clonogenic cell type, expressed both HBGF-1 and HBGF type two (HBGF-2) mRNA. HBGF activity in the extracts of normal and tumor tissues correlated with mRNA levels. Epithelial cells from the R3327PAP tumor and the single cell type that composed the R3327AT-3 tumor exhibited alterations in HBGF receptor characteristics that correlated with increased sensitivity to mitogenic effects of HBGF. The results suggest that alterations in HBGF gene expression in both prostate epithelial and mesenchymal cells and in properties of the receptor in specifically epithelial cells may contribute to differential growth rates and malignancy of different prostatic tumors.

Characterisation of human prostatic adrenoceptors using pharmacology receptor binding and localisation

Benign prostatic enlargement is a common cause of bladder outlet obstruction. Recent work has demonstrated the important role played by the sympathetic nervous system in the control of prostatic muscle tone. Although isometric muscle strip studies and clinical trials have highlighted the influence of alpha-1 adrenoceptors, radioisotope ligand binding studies have demonstrated a relatively increased density of alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the muscle within prostatic tissue, the significance of which is as yet unexplained. Forty patients entered a study using pharmacological muscle strip experiments, radioligand binding assays and receptor autoradiography. Pharmacological data from these studies confirmed that contraction of prostatic muscle is mediated predominantly by alpha-1 adrenoceptor stimulation, with no evidence of significant alpha-2 adrenoceptor or cholinergic mediated effects. Radioligand binding studies confirmed that there is a higher concentration of alpha-1 binding sites as contrasted to alpha-2 within normal prostate, but that this relationship approaches equity in adenomatous prostate. Autoradiographic localisation demonstrated that alpha-1 adrenoceptor binding is predominant within prostatic stroma with only a small component of alpha-2 adrenoceptors in this compartment. This comprehensive study supports the suggestion that prostatic muscular contraction is controlled by the influence of the sympathetic nervous system acting via alpha-1 adrenoceptors. These findings support the therapeutic use of specific alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Characterization of androgen receptor by high performance liquid chromatography and sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation in normal and malignant human prostatic tissues

In the present study we have characterized androgen-receptor complexes of normal and malignant human prostate cytosols using sucrose density gradient centrifugation, gel permeation and anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our results indicated that: 1) malignant tissue cytosols differed from normal by the presence of a 4-5S androgen receptor form which accounted for 30% of total specific-binding of malignant tissue cytosols, 2) 8-9S androgen-receptor complexes in normal and malignant prostate cytosols were estimated as 270kDa by gel permeation HPLC, 3) 8-9S complexes were retained and could be eluted by 0.22M KCl on a linear gradient anion exchange HPLC, 4) 4-5S androgen-receptor complexes were estimated as 90kDa by gel permeation HPLC and were not retained on anion exchange HPLC in our experimental conditions, and 5) either 10X dilution of the 4-5S complexes and subsequent anion exchange HPLC, or anion exchange chromatography of 8-9S complexes at 22 degrees C were causing fragmentation of the androgen receptor molecule from normal and malignant tissues. These fragments had enhanced affinity for anion exchange columns. These results are discussed in relation to the composition of the nontransformed androgen receptor macromolecule.

Immunoreactive somatostatin in male reproductive system in humans

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity is distributed widely in humans; the highest concentration is in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas. To determine if somatostatin is present in the male reproductive system, we analyzed human testis, epididymis, prostate, and semen. Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was detectable in acid extracts of human testis, epididymis, and prostate (n = 6 each) in concentrations of 4.0 +/- 1.4 (+/- SD), 14.7 +/- 3.2, and 27.5 +/- 5.1 pmol/g wet wt, respectively. Considerable amounts of immunoreactive somatostatin also were detectable in semen; the mean value was 3.8 +/- 1.3 nmol/L (n = 6). This value was 200-fold higher than that in peripheral plasma. The somatostatin immunoreactivity in these tissues was characterized by gel filtration chromatography. Two peaks of somatostatin immunoreactivity, one coeluting with somatostatin-14 and the other with somatostatin-28, were found in the testis, epididymis, prostate, and hypothalamus. The amounts of the two sizes were nearly equal in the testis; somatostatin-14 predominated in the epididymis, prostate, and hypothalamus; whereas only somatostatin-28 was detected in semen. The presence of somatostatin in the male reproductive system suggests that somatostatin may play a role in the regulation of reproductive function in men.