Morphology of the epithelial cells and expression of androgen receptor in rat prostate dorsal lobe in experimental hyperprolactinemia

The effect of hyperprolactinemia on the prostate has not been well investigated. Since androgens play an important role in prostate development, growth and function, the goal of the present study was to estimate the influence of hyperprolactinemia on expression of the androgen receptor (AR) in rat epithelial cells of prostate dorsal lobe and on morphology of these cells. Studies were performed on sexually mature male Wistar rats. The experimental group rats received metoclopramide (MCP) intraperitoneally to provoke hyperprolactinemia. The control group animals were given saline in the same way. For light and electron microscopy the prostate dorsal lobes were obtained routinely. To evaluate the intensity of immunohistochemical reaction for AR in epithelial cells, the optical density was measured and computer-assisted image analysis system was used. Morphological observations of the dorsal lobe epithelial cells were carried out in transmission electron microscope. MCP caused over twofold increase in prolactin (PRL) serum levels. In rats with hyperprolactinemia, the testosterone levels (T) were twofold decreased. The intensity of immunohistochemical reaction for AR in epithelial cells of dorsal lobe in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group. In the dorsal lobe epithelial cells of experimental group animals, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed highly dilated RER cisternae and reduced number of microvilli on the cellular surface when compared to the control group. The results show that hyperprolactinemia in male rats causes morphological abnormalities in the dorsal lobe of prostate. The abnormalities are caused by elevated prolactin either directly or indirectly through decreased level of testosterone. Decreased expression of AR in epithelial cells of prostate dorsal lobe is likely to be caused by decreased testosterone level.