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Elevated prolactin level in prostates with latent carcinoma
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Elevated tissue prolactin levels correlate with advanced prostate cancer. This study measured hormones in 113 prostates, finding higher prolactin in poorly differentiated latent prostate carcinoma, suggesting a role in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Latent prostate carcinoma is common in older men.
- The role of tissue hormone levels in prostate cancer development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between prostatic tissue levels of testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin and the development of latent prostate carcinoma.
- To determine if specific hormone levels are associated with different grades of latent prostate carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin levels in prostate homogenates.
- 113 prostates from males over 50 were morphologically classified into benign, well-differentiated latent carcinoma (LWTC), and moderately/poorly differentiated latent carcinoma (LMPTC) groups.
Main Results:
- Tissue prolactin levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in LMPTC prostates compared to benign prostates.
- No significant differences in tissue testosterone or estradiol levels were found among the three groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated tissue prolactin may be associated with the promotion and/or manifestation of prostate carcinoma.
- Prolactin warrants further investigation as a potential factor in prostate cancer progression.