A Preliminary Study of the Baboon Prostate Pathophysiology
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Date
2007
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Prostate
Abstract
Prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis frequently
affect men worldwide. At present there are no suitable animal models for these diseases. This
study explores the potential use of the baboon as a model for prostatic diseases.
METHODS. Prostates of 48 baboons of different ages were studied. Prostate specific antigen
(PSA) and alpha-methyl-acyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) were localized in the different lobes of
the prostate by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. PSA in baboon serum was
demonstrated by radioimmunoassay and western blotting. BaboonAMACRcDNA was cloned
and its expression assayed in baboon tissues.
RESULTS. The baboon prostate is anatomically and histologically similar to its human
counterpart, with cranial and caudal lobes corresponding to central and peripheral zones of
the human prostate. We found lymphocytic infiltration (91%), and sclerosing/atrophic lesions
(34%). PSA tissue immunostaining intensity and alpha-methyl-acyl-CoA racemase (AMACR)
gene expression levels differed between the cranial and caudal lobes of the prostate. The cloned
baboon AMACR cDNA showed 96% homology with its human counterpart. Anti-human
AMACR, PSA and basal keratin antibodies stained intracellular and basement membrane
structures in the baboon prostate. The sclerosing/atrophic lesions were comparable to
their human counterparts.
CONCLUSIONS. The similarity of baboon prostate to its human counterpart and the fact
that human antibodies (AMACR, PSA, basal keratin) are reactive to baboon prostatic proteins
indicates that the baboon is a promising model for human prostatic diseases.
Description
Keywords
Prostate cancer, PSA, BPH, AMACR, Baboon
Citation
Mubiru, J. N., Hubbard, G. B., Dick Jr, E. J., Butler, S. D., Valente, A. J., Troyer, D. A., & Rogers, J. (2007). A preliminary study of the baboon prostate pathophysiology. The Prostate, 67(13), 1421-1431. DOI 10.1002/pros.20622