Paneth cell-like metaplasia of the prostate gland.
We report two cases of Paneth cell-like metaplasia of the prostate gland, one in poorly differentiated carcinoma and the second in benign hyperplasia. By light microscopy, the Paneth-like cells were indistinguishable from Paneth cells found in the normal small intestine and ultrastructurally showed electron-dense granules typical of Paneth cells. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for prostate-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase and negative for lysozyme and alpha 1-antitrypsin. The clinical significance of Paneth cell-like metaplasia is unknown and may represent an example of the multipotential metaplastic capability of actively dividing cells.
Frydman
C P
CP
Department of Pathology, St Joseph's Medical Center, Yonkers, NY.
Bleiweiss
I J
IJ
Unger
P D
PD
Gordon
R E
RE
Brazenas
N V
NV
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008679:Metaplasia / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011467:Prostate / Q000473:pathology*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology