Ultrastructural changes in prostate cells during hormone-induced canine prostatic hyperplasia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Cell Biology
• Urology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition with significant morbidity and social impact.
• Few animal models exist for studying BPH, limiting research.
• Dogs spontaneously develop BPH with age, similar to humans, making them a valuable model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare ultrastructural changes in experimentally induced canine BPH with spontaneous changes in untreated dogs.
• To investigate the utility of an experimental canine BPH model for further research.

Main Methods:

• An experimental group of 5 male beagle dogs were castrated and treated with combined steroids for over 30 weeks.
• Prostate samples were collected at regular intervals.
• A control group of 3 noncastrated dogs received vehicle treatment, with samples collected at specific stages.

Main Results:

• Both experimental and control groups showed BPH changes, with more intensity in the experimental group.
• Luminal cells exhibited papillary projections, prominent microvilli, and abundant granules.
• A novel finding was the presence of caveolae in basal cells, particularly prominent in the experimental group and advanced stages.

Conclusions:

• The experimentally induced canine BPH model adequately replicates spontaneous changes.
• The newly identified ultrastructural changes in basal cells warrant further investigation in both canine and human BPH.
• This model provides a suitable platform for understanding the mechanisms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.