Human benign prostatic hypertrophy: role of prostaglandin E2 and its relationships to bromocriptine therapy

To examine the mechanism of bromocriptine effects in patients suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contents were investigated before and during treatment. An active PGE2 synthesis was detected within the BPH area. Yet, PGE2 concentration in urine could be related neither to the severity of disease nor to the clinical response observed in patients under bromocriptine therapy. Under treatment, a considerable urodynamic improvement was observed in 75% of patients suffering from BPH. In these cases, the prostatic hypertrophy was not markedly reduced. PGE2 urinary contents lowered under treatment provided a beneficial clinical response in patients. The results are discussed with respect to PGE2 involvement in the mechanism of action of prolactin. It is suggested that a direct role of PGE2 and a local effect of bromocriptine in BPH urinary dysfunctioning of the lower urinary tract could not be excluded.