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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Renal Capsule Xenografting and Subcutaneous Pellet Implantation for the Evaluation of Prostate Carcinogenesis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Published on: August 28, 2013
Expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 4 in human benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic cancer
Jens Hansson1, Anders Bjartell, Virgil Gadaleanu
1Department of Urology, Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. jens.hansson@urokir.lu.se
Background:
The presence of receptor subtypes for the inhibitory peptide somatostatin in prostatic tissue has been a controversial issue with conflicting reports. To elucidate whether prostatic epithelial cells express mRNA for somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtype 2 and 4, we have investigated the localization of SSTR2 and SSTR4 transcripts in prostatic tissues by in situ hybridization.
Methods:
Nonradioactive in situ hybridization was performed with specific fluorescein-labeled SSTR2 and SSTR4 riboprobes on consecutive sections of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer tissues.
Results:
We report, for the first time, tissue localization of SSTR2 and SSTR4 mRNA in BPH and malignant cells of human prostate. Hybridization signals for SSTR4 mRNA transcripts were confined to the prostatic epithelium (12 of 16 BPH cases, and in 12 of 13 carcinoma cases), whereas SSTR2 transcripts were predominantly localized in the stromal compartment but also were detectable in epithelial cells in a significant number of specimens (11 of 17 BPH cases, and in 12 of 14 carcinoma cases). Furthermore, the staining intensity for SSTR2 and SSTR4 transcripts is stronger in malignant cells compared with adjacent BPH epithelium.
Conclusion:
The data presented suggest that the expression of SSTR2 and SSTR4 transcripts is up-regulated in malignant cells and that not only SSTR2 agonists, but also compounds targeting the SSTR4 subtype may have a potential role in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Insights
Prostate cancer cells show increased expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 4 (SSTR2 and SSTR4) mRNA. This finding suggests potential new therapeutic targets for prostate cancer treatment using SSTR2 and SSTR4 agonists.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The presence of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in prostate tissue is debated.
- Previous studies reported conflicting findings regarding SSTR expression in the prostate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) and subtype 4 (SSTR4) mRNA in benign and malignant prostate tissues.
- To determine if SSTR2 and SSTR4 are present in prostatic epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Nonradioactive in situ hybridization was employed.
- Specific fluorescein-labeled riboprobes for SSTR2 and SSTR4 were used.
- Consecutive sections of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer tissues were analyzed.
Main Results:
- SSTR4 mRNA was detected in the prostatic epithelium of both BPH and prostate cancer tissues.
- SSTR2 mRNA was primarily found in the stromal compartment but also in epithelial cells.
- Expression intensity of SSTR2 and SSTR4 mRNA was higher in malignant prostate cells compared to BPH epithelium.
Conclusions:
- SSTR2 and SSTR4 mRNA expression is upregulated in prostate cancer cells.
- Targeting SSTR4, in addition to SSTR2, may offer new therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
- These findings highlight the potential of SSTR-targeting agents in prostate cancer treatment.
