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Zonal biochemical and morphological characteristics in BPH
M R Feneley1, J R Puddefoot, S Xia
1Department of Urology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
British Journal of Urology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Prostate receptor concentrations vary by zone and tissue type in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Androgen receptor (AR) is higher in peripheral zone epithelium, suggesting increased androgen dependence and potential malignancy risk.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Endocrinology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting the prostate.
- Hormonal and growth factor receptors play a role in prostate tissue regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare androgen, oestrogen, progesterone, and epidermal growth factor receptor concentrations in the transition and peripheral zones of the prostate in BPH.
- To correlate these receptor levels with epithelial and stromal composition.
Main Methods:
- Prostate tissue from 26 patients undergoing surgery for benign prostatic obstruction was analyzed.
- Receptor concentrations were measured using saturation binding assays.
- Epithelial, stromal, and luminal composition was determined via morphometric analysis.
Main Results:
- Epithelial content was higher in the transition zone than the peripheral zone.
- Androgen receptor (AR) concentration per unit of epithelium was significantly higher in the peripheral zone.
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) concentrations were higher overall in the transition zone, but not per unit of epithelium.
- Oestrogen receptor (ER) concentrations were higher in the transition zone stroma per unit of stroma.
Conclusions:
- Receptor concentrations must be interpreted in relation to tissue composition.
- Higher AR in peripheral zone epithelium suggests greater androgen dependence, potentially linked to malignancy risk.
- Higher ER in transition zone stroma indicates zonal differences in growth regulation, supporting a role for oestrogens in BPH.