Effect of hyperosmotic substances injected into the prostate of Wistar rats

Abstract

Purpose: To verify the effects produced by the injections of hyperosmotic substances into the prostate of Wistar rats as judged by gland weight, behavior, histologic changes, and systemic electrolytic alterations.

Materials and methods: A total of 42 Wistar rats were divided into five groups and treated in the following manner. In Group I (N = 6), the abdominal cavity was opened and closed. In Group II (N = 6), a needle was introduced into the each ventral lobes of the prostate gland. In Group III (N = 10), a 0.9% sodium chloride solution was injected into the each ventral lobe of the prostate gland. In Group IV (N = 10), a 20% NaCl solution was injected into the each ventral lobe of the prostate gland. In Group V (N = 10), a 50% glucose solution was injected into the each ventral lobe of the prostate gland. The following parameters were studied: histologic features of the ventral lobes of the prostate, the electronic weight of the parts utilized in the surgery, and the sodium and potassium concentrations.

Results: The animals of Group V (50% glucose solution) were sacrificed after 60 days and showed a significant reduction in the weight of the ventral prostate lobes in comparison with the other groups (P = 0.05). There were important histologic changes in the groups which received hyperosmotic substances. After the 50% glucose injection, the potassium level increased temporarily.

Conclusions: The injection of 50% glucose solution produced significant alterations in the tissue structure, with reduction in prostatic weight. The electrolyte changes were transitory.