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Evaluation of the mouse prostate as a suitable model for the study of human prostate function
Katherine T Gray1, Sabatino Ventura
1Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods
|December 15, 2004
Summary
The mouse prostate exhibits similar innervation and nerve-mediated contractility to human prostates, making it a viable model for studying prostate function and contractility. This research validates the mouse prostate as a suitable model for human studies.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostate research traditionally uses rats and guinea pigs.
- Gene knockout mice offer advanced research potential not fully utilized.
- The viability of the mouse prostate as a human model requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the mouse prostate is a suitable model for studying human prostate function.
- To investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying mouse prostate contractility.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical processing of mouse prostate sections to identify neurotransmitters and receptors.
- Isolated organ bath studies to analyze contractility mechanisms.
- Electrical field stimulation and drug concentration-response curves.
Main Results:
- Noradrenaline and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining in the fibromuscular stroma and epithelium.
- Presence of P2X purinoceptors in the stroma and epithelium.
- Nerve stimulation induced frequency-dependent contractions mediated by noradrenergic pathways and alpha(1)-adrenoceptors.
- Phenylephrine caused concentration-dependent contractions, inhibited by prazosin.
Conclusions:
- Mouse prostate innervation is comparable to human and other animal models.
- Prostate contractility is primarily noradrenergic, mediated by alpha(1)-adrenoceptors.
- The mouse prostate is a suitable model for human prostate function and contractility research.