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Expression of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor mRNA in the rat ventral prostate and Dunning R3327 PAP adenocarcinoma before and after castration
Author(s) -
Tieva Åse,
Wikström Pernilla,
Olofsson Jan I.,
Bergh Anders,
Damber JanErik
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0045(19990501)39:2<101::aid-pros4>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , castration , messenger rna , prostate cancer , androgen receptor , biology , prostate , gonadotropin releasing hormone , hormone , cancer , luteinizing hormone , gene , biochemistry
BACKGROUND Continuous administration of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists in prostate cancer patients results in involution of the tumors due to suppression of androgen production. In addition to the effect of GnRH at the hypothalamic‐pituitary level, experiments in vitro on breast, ovary, and prostatic cells have shown an inhibition of cell proliferation, indicating the presence of local GnRH receptors (GnRH‐R). The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of GnRH‐R mRNA in the normal rat ventral prostate (VP) and Dunning R3327 PAP adenocarcinoma and to evaluate the effects of castration on receptor mRNA expression. METHODS RNA was prepared from ovaries, pituitaries, VP, and Dunning tumors from both intact and castrated animals. GnRH‐R mRNA levels were quantified by a competitive reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method. RESULTS GnRH‐R mRNA was detected in normal VP and Dunning tumors. Normal VP showed lower amounts of GnRH‐R mRNA compared to Dunning tumors. An elevation of mRNA expression was observed 7 days after castration in Dunning tumors. CONCLUSIONS GnRH‐R mRNA was found in both VP and Dunning tumors, indicating the presence of a local GnRH system. Normal VP showed lower amounts of GnRH‐R mRNA when compared to malignant tissues. GnRH‐R mRNA levels were elevated in Dunning tumors following castration. Prostate 39:101–107, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.