[Experimental investigations on cell loss and cell proliferation of the rat prostate after castration and androgen administration (author's transl)]

Abstract

The rat prostate was used to investigate cell loss (numeric atrophy) and altered cell proliferation after castration. Cell loss was determined by the proportion of apoptotic bodies. The apoptotic index was considerable and reached a maximum in the coagulating gland on day 2 and in the other prostate lobes between days 4 and 8. Thereafter, cell loss was reduced and finally corresponded to that of control animals. Cell proliferation decreased and soon ceased at all. Androgen administration caused cell increase in all prostate lobes. Following a latent period of 35--40 h, the 3H-labeling index increased with a maximum on day 3. Values then fell and were minimal above control values. Rhythmically interrupted administration of testosterone resulted in a decreased ability to stimulate cell proliferation. This androgen-induced cell proliferation is a useful model for testing cell proliferation of the prostate. The combined determination of cell loss and the cell proliferation, therefore, may be important for the clinical examination of the hormonal responsiveness of prostatic carcinomas.