[Enzymes of the female prostate during the fertile age and after menopause. Comparative histochemical study]

Using histochemical methods, the authors compared the enzymes in the prostate of 19 women of fertile age (15-45 years) and in 9 women after the menopause (53-79 years). In women after the menopause they observed a reduced naphthylesterase activity and also of some other enzymes in the prostatic glands which indicates a possible reduced secretory activity of the prostate in women past reproductive age. Conversely in women after the menopause, with age a marked increase of the activity of lysosomal acid phosphatase in the epithelium of the prostatic ducts was found. "Prostatic" acid phosphatase persisted as regards its activity also in women after the menopause. A drop of activity of dehydrogenases occurs only in women in the most advanced age groups, during the early menopause the findings were similar as during fertile age. The demonstrated differences in enzymes of the prostate in fertile women and after the menopause indicate their different function in the woman's life. These data are the first basis for the possible inclusion of the female prostate among hormone-dependent organs of female reproduction.