Changes in Estrogen Receptor ER? (ESR2) Expression without Changes in the Estradiol Levels in the Prostate of Aging Rats.
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ABSTRACT: Although the prostate is androgen-dependent, it is also influenced by estrogens, which act via the estrogen receptors ER? and ER?. In the prostate, ER? is highly expressed in the epithelium and appears to participate in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Evidence shows that ER? is decreased in malignant prostate, suggesting that it plays an important role in protecting this tissue. Despite the relationship between reductions in ER? and abnormal growth of the gland, little is known about the age-dependent variation of this receptor. Therefore, we aimed to investigate ER? expression in the prostatic lobes of aging Wistar rats (3 to 24 months). Histopathological alterations, including hyperplasia, intraluminal concretions, nuclear atypia and prostate intraepithelial neoplasias (PIN), were observed in the prostates of aging rats. Epithelial proliferation led to cribriform architecture in some acini, especially in the ventral prostate (VP). In the VP, areas of epithelial atrophy were also observed. Furthermore, in the lateral prostate, there was frequent prostatitis. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of ER? is reduced in specific areas related to PIN, atrophic abnormalities and cellular atypia in the prostate epithelium of senile rats. Corroborating the involvement of the receptor with proliferative activity, the punctual reduction in ER? paralleled the increase in cell proliferation especially in areas of PIN and nuclear atypies. The decrease in ER? reactivity occurred in a hormonal milieu characterized by a constant concentration of estradiol and decreased plasmatic and tissue DHT. This paper is a pioneering study that reveals focal ER? reduction in the prostate of aging rats and indicates a potential disorder in the ER? pathway. These data corroborate previous data from humans and dogs that silencing of this receptor may be associated with premalignant or malignant conditions in the prostate.
SUBMITTER: Morais-Santos M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4492744 | biostudies-literature | 2015
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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