Study of membrane testosterone receptors in prostate cancer

الملخص EN

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in males.

Recently, the identification of a membrane testosterone binding site involved in the remodeling of actin cytoskeleton structures and PSA secretion, on human prostate cancer cells has been reported.

We have investigated whether this membrane testosterone binding component could be of value for the identification of prostate cancer.

We have investigated the expression of membrane testosterone binding sites in a series of prostate carcinomas (n = 15), morphologically normal epithelia, taken from areas of the surgical specimens far from the location of the carcinomas (n = 10) and benign prostate hyperplasia epithelia (n = 10).

Isolated epithelial cells were studied by immunohistochemistry, and touching preparations, after 10-min incubation.

In addition, routine histological slides were assayed.

The results showed that membrane testosterone binding sites are preferentially expressed in prostate carcinoma cells, while BPH and nonmalignant epithelial cells showed a low or absent binding.

It is concluded that membrane testosterone receptors might be of use for the rapid routine identification of prostate cancer, representing a diagnostic marker of the disease.