[Reciprocal epithelio-stromal interactions in normal and neoplastic prostate]

The epithelio-stromal interaction is important in the process of morphogenesis, differentiation, and hormone response, in normal and neoplastic prostate. Mesenchymal androgenic receptors (AR) initiates the prostatic development. Paracrine signals from the mesenchyme induce epithelial identity and regulates epithelial apoptosis. Induction of prostatic squamous metaplasia is mediated by both stromal and epithelial á estrogenic receptors (ERá). The basement membrane components, by laminins and integrin receptors, also regulates epithelio-stromal interactions, in embryogenesis, differentiation, tumoral invasion and metastasising process. Also growth factors, as epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), fibroblastic growth factor (FGF) and Saposin C, by their paracrine and autocrine action, are involved in the control of epithelial prostate cells proliferation. Supplementary, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contributes, by its angiogenetic effect, to tumoral proliferation. A complete understanding of the complex regulatory epithelio stromal mechanism may provide new therapeutic targets in prostate tumoral pathology.