[Histological structure of the prostate and its zinc content at various ages]

As it has been demonstrated by a morphological investigation of the prostate from 85 corpses of various ages, each age period defined has certain specific objective morphometric indices, histological peculiar features of epithelium and changes in zinc content. The prostatic epithelium is the most monomorphous and the least active in the prepubertal group. In persons 14-40 years of age, the epithelium is characterized by morpho-functional features of high activity with preservation of its histological peculiarities. This corresponds to zinc content within the limits 48.10+/-9.10-64.10+/- +/-6.10 mg/kg in dry tissue of the gland. The most outstanding feature of the prostatic epithelium during transitional period of age is polymorphism of its structure, which corresponds to the greatest zinc content (115.10 +/- 13.10 mg/kg). In elderly and old persons this index is somewhat decreasing.