The alpha-adrenergic blocking effect of prazosin on the human prostate

The effect of prazosin on the adrenergic receptors in the human prostatic adenoma and prostatic capsule was investigated by an in vitro isometric technique. The results showed an alpha-adrenergic blocking action on both tissues. The cholinergic response of the capsule and the direct response of the adenoma were not affected. It is suggested that prazosin may prove preferable to phenoxybenzamine for clinical use as a prostatic alpha blocking agent, because of the selective action on the alpha1 receptors.