High expression of a CD38-like molecule in normal prostatic epithelium and its differential loss in benign and malignant disease.
OBJECTIVE
We characterize an undescribed antigen on prostatic epithelial cells, which is recognized by anti-CD38.


METHODS
Normal (3 cases), benign hyperplastic (10) and carcinomatous (10) prostatic tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immuno-electron microscopy and the Western blot test.


RESULTS
Comparison of prostatic and lymphatic CD38 antigen revealed identical bands at 45 kD. Electron microscopy demonstrated anti-CD38 reactivity on the cytoplasmic membrane and within the secretory vacuoles. Double labeling with anti-cytokeratin types 5/15 and 8/18 confirmed that basal and secretory normal prostatic epithelial cells express CD38. By contrast, a complete loss was found in malignant (52.8%), tumor-surrounding nonmalignant (16.3%) and benign prostatic hyperplasia derived glands (3.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
CD38 is a novel prostatic antigen. Its role in intracellular calcium mobilization may contribute to smooth muscle cell contraction and/or sperm motility.
Kramer
G
G
Department of Urology, University of Vienna, Austria.
Steiner
G
G
Födinger
D
D
Fiebiger
E
E
Rappersberger
C
C
Binder
S
S
Hofbauer
J
J
Marberger
M
M
D036541:ADP-ribosyl Cyclase; D051997:ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009699:N-Glycosyl Hydrolases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011467:Prostate / Q000378:metabolism*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000378:metabolism*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009699:N-Glycosyl Hydrolases; D036541:ADP-ribosyl Cyclase; C498154:CD38 protein, human; D051997:ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1