Morphofunctional aspects of gerbil female prostate during the estrous cycle: effects of ovariectomy and subsequent prolonged replacement by estradiol plus progesterone

Author(s)

Marianna Zanatelli

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
• Defense date: 2012-02-17

Examining board members

Sebastião Roberto Taboga; Wellerson Rodrigo Scarano; Patricia Fernanda Felipe Pinheiro

• Advisor: Fernanda Cristina Alcântara dos Santos; Sebastião Roberto Taboga

Abstract

The female prostate is a gland functionally active found in several species of mammals, including humans and rodents. In adult female gerbils, the prostate presents paraurethral location, showing close contact with the wall of the median urethra. This gland is homologous to the ventral prostate of male rodents and it is formed by a set of acini and ducts embedded in a fibromuscular stroma. The study of prostatic morphophysiology in the estrous cycle phases has shown that the female prostate is influenced by fluctuations in serum of estradiol and progesterone, with peaks in estrous and diestrus II phases, respectively. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined and prolonged administration of estradiol and progesterone on the prostate of ovariectomized female gerbil. Ovariectomy caused regression and decreased glandular secretory activity, aspects suggested by the shrinkage of the prostate and the almost absence of glycoprotein secretion. These changes are linked to hormonal supply caused by the ovaries removal. The subsequent replacement by estradiol and progesterone in combination showed a greater recovery of the structure and general physiology of the prostate, as evidenced by increased epithelial height, prostatic mass and secretory activity. The hormone levels increased, justifying the recovery of the gland, but did not achieve the same profile observed in the control group. We also evaluated the changes in the expression of AR, ER?, ER? and the cell proliferation marker, PCNA, which showed increased immunoreactivity and increased number of proliferating cells in the treated group. The integrity of the prostate is not only related to the levels of estrogen and progesterone, but also with the cyclical balance between these hormones in the female body. Finally, studies about the actions of estrogen and progesterone in prostate may be the starter for the development of treatments for important prostate diseases, which affect both males and females (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/12688-1 - Morphofunctional aspects of the gerbil female prostate during the estrus cycle: Effects of ovariectomy followed by prolongated oestradiol and progesterone hormonal reposition
• Grantee: Marianna Zanatelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master