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Elevated estrogen receptor expression in human prostatic stromal cells by androgen ablation therapy
I G Kruithof-Dekker1, B Têtu, P J Janssen
1Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Urology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Androgen deprivation increases estrogen receptor (ER) expression in human prostate stromal cells. This suggests a paracrine interaction may explain estrogen-induced changes in prostate tissue.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Endocrinology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Estrogen receptor (ER) presence in human prostate tissue remains controversial.
- Animal models suggest androgen deprivation upregulates ER expression in prostate tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate if androgen deprivation increases ER expression in human prostate tissue.
- Clarify the role of ER in human prostate under different hormonal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry used to assess ER expression in stromal and glandular cells.
- Prostatectomy specimens from patients treated with androgen blockade (LHRH agonist and flutamide) or estrogen therapy were analyzed.
- Comparison with specimens from untreated patients.
Main Results:
- Androgen blockade induced prostatic atrophy and basal cell hyperplasia.
- Stromal cells showed significantly increased nuclear ER expression after androgen ablation or estrogen therapy.
- Epithelial cells showed sporadic ER expression; carcinoma cells were ER negative in all cases.
Conclusions:
- Androgen deprivation upregulates stromal ER expression in the human prostate.
- Paracrine interactions between stromal and epithelial cells may mediate estrogen-induced morphological changes.