Estradiol/androgen receptors during aging: microsomal distribution in human benign prostatic hypertrophy

Estradiol and androgen receptor levels were determined in benign prostatic hypertrophy tissue by means of dextran-coated charcoal method. 80% of the cases contained estrogen receptor, whereas 85% of cases contained the androgen receptor. In 50 year old patients, nuclear estradiol and androgen receptors were 48% and 34% higher than the cytosolic values, respectively, whereas in 70 year old patients, the levels of nuclear estradiol and androgen receptors were 6% and 57% higher than the cytosolic values, respectively. Nuclear androgen receptor in 50 year old patients was 34% higher than the estradiol receptor, and in 70 year old patients, androgen receptor was 23% higher than the estradiol receptor. Cytosolic values of estrogen receptor in 50 year old patients were diminished 50%, whereas in 70 year old patients, the ER value was increased 40% with regard to androgen receptor. On the other hand, estradiol receptor values measured in microsomal fractions, and were higher when compared to androgen receptor levels (mean percentage +/- 50%). These findings suggest that the biological effects due to the subcellular distribution of AR or ER and that their microsomal distribution would constitute a reserve mechanism and activation of receptors for the continued growth of benign prostatic hypertrophy.