Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Quantitation of Protein Expression and Co-localization Using Multiplexed Immuno-histochemical Staining and Multispectral Imaging
Published on: April 8, 2016
Expression of protein C inhibitor (PCI) in benign and malignant prostatic tissues
Yue Cao1, Charlotte Becker, Ake Lundwall
1Department of Urology, University Hospital Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Background:
Protein C inhibitor (PCI) occurs at high concentration in seminal plasma, and inhibits human glandular kallikrein-2 and, less readily, prostate-specific antigen. Previous studies have localized PCI in the male genital tract. Here we have performed a detailed investigation of PCI expression in the prostatic tissues, metastases, and cell lines.
Methods:
Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and Western blotting were used to study prostatic tissues, metastases, and PC-3, DU-145, and LNCaP cells.
Results:
PCI was immunolocalized in tissue microarray spots with BPH epithelium (detection rate 100%), PIN lesions (100%), tumors (96%), metastases (88%), and in all cell lines. ISH and WB supported the findings.
Conclusions:
PCI is widely expressed in benign prostatic epithelium, and may act as a local regulator of enzymatic activity in seminal fluid, of importance for normal sperm function. Lack of PCI expression in a subpopulation of high-grade tumor cells in combination with maintained protease expression may facilitate invasive growth patterns.
