The ultrastructure of the male and female prostate of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis

Summary Male ventral and female prostates of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis were examined with the electron microscope. The findings support and add to information obtained with the light microscope on tissues from normal, castrated and ovariectomised animals.Our results indicate that although the female prostate may be considered a homologue of the male ventral prostate anatomically and histologically, there are differences in sub-cellular morphology and hormone dependence.Cells of the intact ventral prostate of the male are characterised by prominent dilated Golgi vesicles and electron-dense mature secretory granules seen in the apical region of the cell. In the cells of the female prostate these features are absent. These morphological differences reflect the influence of hormones upon the cells, as shown by the reduction of the dilated Golgi vesicles in the castrated male and conversely, their occasional presence in the cells of the oestrous female.Comparison of castrated and ovariectomised animals shows that the male ventral prostate is much more dependent on androgens than the female is on ovarian hormones.There are several modes of secretion in the male ventral and the female prostate. These are by acellular and cellular blebbing, by a variety of secretory vesicles into the acinar lumina, and by a system of double walled vesicles not previously described.We are grateful to Dr. R.C.B. Pugh of the Department of Pathology, St. Peter's Hospitals for helpful discussion, to Mr. P. Chaloner and Miss P. Gunter for technical assistance and also the Department of Medical Art of the Institute of Urology