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Experimental autoimmune prostatitis: dihydrotestosterone influence over the immune response
Gustavo P Diserio1, Edgar Nowotny
1Catedra de Quimica Biologica Analitica, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional De Cordoba, Argentina. gusdiserio@hotmail.com.ar
The Journal of Urology
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Elevated 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels may reduce the immune response in autoimmune prostatitis. Androgen metabolism remains altered even with external androgens, suggesting a complex interplay in chronic prostatic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Urology
Background:
- Experimental autoimmune prostatitis involves chronic inflammation and decreased 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) due to reduced 5alpha-reductase activity.
- This androgen decrease may promote autoimmune conditions within the prostate.
- Elevated DHT might offer protection against immune aggression and its metabolic consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of elevated DHT on the immune response and androgenic metabolism in a rat model of autoimmune prostatitis.
- To analyze the enzymatic bioconversion of DHT and histological changes in prostates of immunized rats with and without DHT implantation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro analysis of (3H)-DHT enzymatic bioconversion in prostate homogenates from male accessory sexual gland (MAG) immunized rats and DHT-implanted rats (DSG).
- Histological examination of ventral prostate tissues.
- Assessment of specific cell immune response using delayed type hypersensitivity tests.
Main Results:
- Enzymatic activities (3alpha/3beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases) were measured in DSG, MAG, and control rats.
- DSG rat ventral prostates showed fewer and less severe mononuclear cell infiltrates compared to MAG rats.
- Delayed type hypersensitivity responses were lower in DSG rats than in MAG rats.
Conclusions:
- Constantly elevated DHT levels appear to decrease the cellular immune response, although not significantly.
- Androgenic metabolism remains altered in the presence of exogenous androgens, indicating persistent metabolic changes.