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Immunoreactive prostatic specific antigen in male periurethral glands
H A Frazier1, P A Humphrey, J L Burchette
1Division of Urology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
The Journal of Urology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) are not specific to prostate tissue. These antigens were found in urethral and periurethral gland tissues, challenging their organ-specific status.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) have been traditionally considered prostate-specific biomarkers.
- Recent studies have questioned the absolute organ specificity of PSA and PAP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of PSA and PAP in non-prostatic tissues.
- To evaluate the organ specificity of PSA and PAP in male urethral specimens.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of PSA and PAP was performed on 20 male urethral specimens from patients without prostate cancer.
- Analysis included urethral biopsies and whole-mount autopsy specimens.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 20 urethral specimens showed strong positive immunostaining for both PSA and PAP in periurethral glands.
- Five of 17 urethral biopsies and all three whole-mount autopsy specimens stained positive for both antigens.
- Heterogeneous staining patterns were observed within periurethral glands in autopsy specimens.
Conclusions:
- PSA and PAP are not exclusively specific to prostatic tissue.
- Tissues of cloacal origin may exhibit positive staining for PSA and PAP.
- The current understanding of PSA and PAP as strictly organ-specific markers requires revision.