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Role of basic fibroblast growth factor in prostatic tumors
F Sinowatz1, W Amselgruber, D Lincoln
1Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Munich, Germany.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is elevated in prostate tumors, primarily in stromal cells. However, bFGF was not detected in malignant prostate cancer cells, suggesting it may not drive cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels are elevated in prostatic tumors compared to normal tissue.
- This elevation suggests a potential role for bFGF in the development of prostatic neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular distribution of bFGF in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic carcinoma.
- To determine the cellular source of bFGF in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polyclonal antiserum against recombinant bFGF for immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded prostatic tumor sections.
- Employed nonradioactive in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotides to detect bFGF mRNA.
Main Results:
- Immunoreactive bFGF was detected in fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells within prostatic tumors, with distinct nuclear staining.
- Prostatic epithelial cells, both benign and malignant, showed no bFGF immunostaining.
- bFGF mRNA was identified in stromal smooth muscle cells, indicating they are a primary source of bFGF in BPH.
Conclusions:
- Stromal cells, particularly smooth muscle cells, are the main source of bFGF in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- The absence of bFGF immunostaining in prostate carcinoma cells suggests a limited direct role in malignant tumor development.