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Semiquantitative morphology of human prostatic development and regional distribution of prostatic neuroendocrine cells
Author(s) -
Aumüller Gerhard,
Leonhardt Markus,
Renneberg Heiner,
von Rahden Burkhard,
Bjartell Anders,
Abrahamsson PerAnders
Publication year - 2001
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 - 10.1002/1097-0045(20010201)46:2<108::aid-pros1014>3.0.co;2-9
Subject(s) - stromal cell , prostate , biology , pathology , stem cell , epithelium , fetus , neuroendocrine cell , neuroendocrine differentiation , endocrinology , medicine , prostate cancer , immunohistochemistry , cancer , microbiology and biotechnology , pregnancy , genetics
Background The neuroendocrine cells of the human prostate have been related to proliferative disorders such as prostatic cancer. Their origin, distribution, and development have therefore been studied and discussed in terms of current stem cell concepts in the prostate. Methods Prostatic tissue specimens (n = 20) from human fetuses (n = 8), prepubertal and pubertal children (n = 8) and mature men (n = 4) were studied immunohistochemically using antibodies directed against neuroendocrine, epithelial as well as secretory markers. Semiquantitative computer‐assisted evaluation of different epithelial and stromal components based on stereological principles was performed on azan‐stained sections representative of all developmental stages. Results By the end of gestational Week 9, neuroendocrine (NE) cells appear in the epithelium of the urogenital sinus and are subsequently closely associated with the formation of urethral prostatic buds. The fetal and postnatal distribution pattern of NE cells within the gland is characterized by a relatively constant number of cells per gland similar to prostatic smooth muscle cells. Likewise, a density gradient exists with the highest density in the large collicular ducts and almost no NE cells in subcapsular peripheral acini. In peripheral ducts, the distribution is random. Maturation of the NE cells precedes that of the secretory cells by about 10–16 years. Conclusions A second prostatic stem cell lineage, different from the urogenital sinus (UGS)‐lineage is hypothesized originating from immature neuroendocrine cells. Being morphologically indistinguishable from the UGS‐derived prostatic secretory cell lineage, it gives rise to neuroendocrine cells. Their presence is apparently important for proliferation regulation of the UGS‐derived lineage of the prostate. Prostate 46:108–115, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.