Abstract
Endothelins (ETs) have been shown to have mitogenic effects on prostate cells in vitro. To study a relationship between ETs and prostate growth, we investigated expression of ET-1 and ET-3 and their receptors ETA and ETB in the dorsolateral (DLP) and ventral (VP) prostate lobes of rats aged 3 weeks, 3 months, and 22 months. The weight ratio of each lobe to the body was not different at 3 weeks but increased more in the DLP than in the VP at 3 months; the ratio did not change at 22 months. The density of the major receptor ETA, measured by radio-labelled ET-1 binding to prostate membrane particulates, was highest at 3 weeks in both prostate lobes and decreased thereafter. mRNA expression levels of ETA, ETB, ET-1, and ET-3 in the DLP and ETA in the VP, as assessed by relative multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, were highest at 3 weeks, and no significant change was seen in mRNA expression of ET-converting enzyme-1. The highest expression of ETA and the ligands at 3 weeks, followed by dramatic growth at 3 months in the DLP, suggests a role of ETA-mediated signal transduction in prostate growth of rats and possibly of humans.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 750-759 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Reproduction, Fertility and Development |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Biotechnology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Animal Science and Zoology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology