Gastricsin in the benign and malignant prostate.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Urology
• Oncology

Background:

• Gastricsin is a gastric acid proteinase.
• The prostate's role in seminal fluid composition is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and localization of gastricsin in the prostate.
• To determine if gastricsin in the prostate is associated with benign prostatic enlargement or prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Main Methods:

• Immunoperoxidase (peroxidase-antiperoxidase) method was employed.
• Prostate tissue samples from patients with benign prostatic enlargement and prostatic adenocarcinoma were analyzed.
• Normal male genital tract tissues were used as controls.

Main Results:

• Gastricsin was detected in 69% of benign prostatic enlargement cases and 39% of prostatic adenocarcinoma cases.
• The enzyme was localized in acinar lining cells and tumor cells.
• Other normal male genital tract tissues tested negative for gastricsin.

Conclusions:

• The prostate is likely the source of gastricsin found in normal seminal fluid.
• The diagnostic utility of gastricsin in prostatic carcinomas requires further investigation.