Fetal prostate growth and development.
Normal fetal and newborn prostates were studied to evaluate growth patterns, histogenesis, and secretory activity. Whole cross-sectioned prostates harvested from 107 necropsies of fetuses and newborns ages 20 weeks gestation to 1 month of age were used. Development of the prostate occurred in three stages: bud stage (20-30 weeks gestation), bud-tubule stage (31-36 weeks gestation), and acinotubular stage (37-42 weeks gestation). Squamous metaplasia often appeared in the urethra, utricle, and primary lobular ducts, and occasional microcysts were noted. PAS and alcian blue-PAS positive secretion were present in 65% of the specimens by 20-30 weeks gestation and in over 87% of the specimens by 37 or more weeks gestation. Secretory activity was most prominent in the lateral regions of the peripheral zone. Prostate-specific antigen was only weakly detected throughout the prenatal period and was not related to secretory activity as evidenced by the PAS technique.
Department of Pathology, Beijing Medical University, China.
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T
Xia
W R
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Blackburn
W A
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Gardner
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D003560:Cysts / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D010503:Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; D011467:Prostate / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen