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Development of a model for the induction of estrogen‐related prostatic hyperplasia in the dog and its response to the aromatase inhibitor 4‐hydroxy‐4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione: Preliminary results
Author(s) -
Habenicht UrsulaF.,
Schwarz Klaus,
Schweikert HansU.,
Neumann Friedmund,
Fathy Etreby M. El
Publication year - 1986
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/pros.2990080208
Subject(s) - aromatase , aromatase inhibitor , medicine , endocrinology , hyperplasia , androstenedione , estrogen , androgen , hormone , cancer , breast cancer
Abstract Although the presence of the testes is an absolutely necessary prerequisite for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to occur, the role of androgens in the cause of BPH is still controversial. There are increasing signs for a decisive role of estrogens in that connection. We treated castrated beagle dogs of known age with androstenedione (an androgen that can be aromatized) and with the aromatase inhibitor 4‐hydroxyandrostendione. Six or 9 months of treatment with androstenedione resulted in a BPH characterized by typical androgenic effects—ie, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the epithelium—and by typical estrogenic effects—, stimulation of the stroma, especially of the smooth muscles, and cystic enlargement of the tubules. These estrogen‐related effects could be clearly antagonized by the simultaneous treatment with the aromatase inhibitor 4‐hydroxyandrostenedione. The hyperplastic effects on the epithelium were also partly antagonized by the aromatase inhibitor. Our preliminary results further strengthen the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors as an alternative treatment of human BPH, which is thought to be predominantly a stromal disease.