Botox-induced prostatic involution.
BACKGROUND
A simple approach to induced prostatic atrophy was explored. Surgical denervation is known to produce profound atrophy of the rat prostate. Because Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) produces a long-term chemical denervation, the potential to induce atrophy of the rat prostate was explored.


METHODS
Thirty rat prostates were injected with varying doses of Botox. Single and serial injections were used, and rats were subsequently sacrificed after either 1 or 4 weeks, respectively. The prostate glands were harvested, weighed, and histologically studied for morphologic and apoptotic changes.


RESULTS
The total prostate volume and weight were found to be reduced in all Botox-injected animals. Histologically, a generalized atrophy of the glands was observed with the H&E stain. There was also diffuse glandular apoptosis evident with the Tunel stain. There were no significant complications (e.g., urinary retention, weight loss, or hind/limb weakness).


CONCLUSIONS
Botulinum toxin type A injection into the prostate gland induces selective denervation and subsequent atrophy of the prostate. Apoptosis was seen diffusely throughout the gland. It may be possible that in the future, this long-acting neurotoxin could be used for the treatment of common pathologies of the human prostate.
Doggweiler
R
R
Division of Urology, University of Colorado Health Science Center, Denver 80262, USA. ragi.doggweiler@UCHSC.edu
Zermann
D H
DH
Ishigooka
M
M
Schmidt
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D001284:Atrophy / Q000139:chemically induced; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003714:Denervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011467:Prostate / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology*; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A