Stromal cells of the human prostate: initial isolation and characterization

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men.
• Prostate stromal cells play a crucial role in BPH development and progression.
• Understanding stromal cell behavior is essential for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize human prostate stromal cells from BPH tissue.
• To investigate the effects of androgens and various growth factors on these cells.
• To establish a relevant in vitro model for studying prostate stromal cell biology.

Main Methods:

• Prostate tissue samples were obtained from transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
• Stromal cells were isolated using mechanical and enzymatic dissociation followed by Percoll gradient centrifugation.
• Immunocytochemistry was used to identify smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Isolated stromal cell cultures predominantly consisted of smooth muscle cells (up to 99%).
• Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) showed a significant mitogenic effect on BPH smooth muscle cells in the presence of charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum.
• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bovine pituitary extract (BPE) stimulated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
• Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, particularly when growth factors were present.

Conclusions:

• Human prostate stromal cells, primarily smooth muscle cells, can be successfully isolated and cultured from BPH tissue.
• These cells provide a valuable model for studying the effects of androgens and growth factors on prostate stromal biology.
• The findings highlight the complex interplay of growth factors and androgens in regulating prostate stromal cell proliferation and suggest potential therapeutic targets.