The 'female prostate': location, morphology, immunohistochemical characteristics and significance.
Using immunostaining for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), we can demonstrate prostate-analogous periurethral glands (the 'female prostate') in 66.7% of 33 cases. Histomorphologically, these glands resemble strongly the male prostate glands before puberty. They remain immature throughout life from the fetal period up to advanced age obviously because of a lack of an androgenic stimulus. The glands have long ducts leading into the urethra. A proper stroma component is missing. The immunohistochemical behavior of these glands also corresponds widely to that of the male prostate glands before puberty. No indications can be found for a proper biological function.
Wernert
N
N
Institute of Pathology, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, FRG.
Albrech
M
M
Sesterhenn
I
I
Goebbels
R
R
Bonkhoff
H
H
Seitz
G
G
Inniger
R
R
Remberger
K
K
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011467:Prostate / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D014521:Urethra; D014746:Vimentin / Q000032:analysis
D014746:Vimentin; D007633:Keratins; D000135:Acid Phosphatase; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen