title: Prostasomes are heterogeneous regarding size and appearance but affiliated to one DNA-containing exosome family.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prostate acinar epithelial cells release microvesicles (prostasomes) that possess pleiotropic biological effects relevant for successful fertilization. Prostasomes are formed in a similar way as exosomes but are heterogeneous as regards size and appearance. Like exosomes they are thought to be mediators of intercellular communication.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prepared seminal prostasomes in accordance with the prevailing protocol for exosome preparation including passage through a 0.2 µm filter and centrifugation in a sucrose gradient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We compared the "filterable prostasomes" with those trapped on the filter ("nonfilterable prostasomes") and, qualitatively, no conspicuous differences were apparent regarding ultrastructure and SDS-PAGE banding pattern. Moreover, both types of prostasomes contained DNA fragments and Western blot revealed presence of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), CD38, and annexin A1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reasonably, prostasomes could be included in the exosome family and be regarded as one entity containing chromosomal DNA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. goran.ronquist@medsci.uu.se
authors.forename: Göran K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Ronquist
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Larsson
authors.forename: Anneli
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stavreus-Evers
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ronquist
mesh_terms: D061354:Acinar Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D055354:Exosomes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000166:cytology*; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D004247:DNA