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Prostate-thyroid axis: stimulatory effects of ventral prostate secretions on thyroid function
R R Mani Maran1, S Subramanian, G Rajendiran
1Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, India. michael@unimad.ernet.in
The Prostate
|July 3, 1998
Summary
Prostate secretions stimulate the thyroid gland. Removing the prostate in rats lowered thyroid hormones, indicating a prostate-thyroid axis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Prostate endocrine cells secrete thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and other peptides.
- Hypothyroidism in rats increased prostatic TRH, suggesting a prostate-thyroid axis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the prostate on thyroid gland function in rats.
- To determine if prostatic secretions directly affect thyroid hormone secretion.
Main Methods:
- Ventral prostatectomy was performed on postpartum rats.
- Serum thyroid hormones (T4, T3) were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
- In vitro coculture of thyroid and prostate tissues assessed secretory influence.
Main Results:
- Prostatectomy significantly reduced serum total and free T4 and T3 levels.
- Thyroid histology in prostatectomized rats indicated hypothyroid status.
- Co-culturing prostate and thyroid tissues elevated thyroid hormone levels in the medium.
Conclusions:
- Ventral prostatic secretions exert a stimulatory effect on the thyroid gland.
- This suggests a functional prostate-thyroid axis in rats.