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Prostate development and carcinogenesis in prolactin receptor knockout mice.
Fiona G Robertson1, Jessica Harris, Matthew J Naylor
1Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Hospital, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
Endocrinology
|June 18, 2003
Summary
Prolactin plays a subtle but essential role in prostate health and reproductive function. Prolactin receptor knockout mice showed altered prostate morphology, reduced tumor development, and impaired fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Urology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia is associated with prostatic hypertrophy and hyperplasia.
- The specific role of prolactin in prostate physiology remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prolactin in prostate development and carcinogenesis.
- To examine gene expression changes in the absence of prolactin signaling.
Main Methods:
- Utilized prolactin receptor knockout mice to study prostate morphology and SV40T-induced carcinogenesis.
- Analyzed gene expression using oligonucleotide microarrays.
- Assessed reproductive function in knockout animals.
Main Results:
- Prolactin receptor knockout mice exhibited minor prostate weight changes and epithelial cell loss in the dorsal lobe.
- SV40T-induced prostate intraepithelial neoplasia was reduced in knockout mice, with a complete absence of tumors in some cases.
- Gene expression analysis revealed decreased expression of genes involved in reproduction, correlating with observed infertility.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin signaling is essential for normal prostate morphology and gene expression.
- Prolactin plays a role in suppressing SV40T-induced prostate neoplasia.
- Prolactin is crucial for male reproductive function.