Immunoelectron microscopic demonstration of prostatic acid phosphatase in human hyperplastic prostate

Immunoelectron microscopic studies were done on prostatic tissues obtained from patients with benign hyperplasia. Rabbit IgG-peroxidase conjugate against purified human prostatic acid phosphatase band 2 (HPAP-2) was used for studies. Under the light microscope, the columnar secretory epithelia of prostatic glands showed different intensity and distribution of immunostaining whereas the basal cells were unstained. Under the electron microscope, the secretory epithelial cells often showed electron-dense reaction product in the Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles and vacuoles, and only sparingly in the cisternae of nuclear envelope and rough ER. Sometimes, fusion of secretory vacuolar membrane and plasma membrane and discharge of the vacuolar contents into the extracellular space were noted. The surfaces of microvilli at the apical portion of the columnar epithelia and the lumen of the glandular acini always showed reaction product. These findings suggest that HPAP-2 may be synthesized in the rough ER and transported to the Golgi apparatus where it is concentrated and transferred to the secretory vesicles and vacuoles. HPAP-2 is finally discharged into the extracellular spaces through exocytosis, a secretory mechanism similar to that of other secretory proteins.