Prolactin concentration in prostates with benign hypertrophy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Urology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men.
• The role of prolactin in prostate physiology and pathology is not fully understood.
• Previous studies have suggested a potential link between prolactin and prostate tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the concentration of prolactin in hypertrophied prostate tissue.
• To compare prostatic prolactin concentration with serum prolactin levels.
• To explore the potential relationship between androgens and prolactin in the prostate.

Main Methods:

• Radioimmunoassay was used to measure prolactin concentration.
• Prostatic tissue samples from 22 patients undergoing surgery for BPH were analyzed.
• Basal serum prolactin levels were also measured in these patients.

Main Results:

• The mean prolactin concentration in prostatic tissue was 38.2 +/- 1.9 ng./Gm.
• The mean basal serum prolactin level was 11.9 +/- 1.3 ng./ml.
• A significant difference was observed between prostatic and serum prolactin concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Serum prolactin levels do not accurately reflect prolactin concentration within the prostate gland.
• An interrelationship between androgens and prolactin may exist, influencing prostate metabolism.
• Further investigation into the complex hormonal interactions within the prostate is warranted.