Immunohistochemical Assay of Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer

Shin, Min Seok; Jeon, Youn Soo

Abstract

It is well known that the development and progression of prostate cancer are androgen dependent and the action of androgen in prostate is mediated by androgen receptor. But the role of androgen receptor in the development and progression of prostate cancer have been not defined. Recently, the development of mmunohistochemical assay has provided new opportunities for study of androgen receptor. Immunohistochemical stainings were performed for 3 cases of normal prostate, 17 of BPH and 17 of prostate cancer. Specimens were obtained from cystoprostatectomy of bladder cancer patients(normal prostate), suprapubic prostatectomy and transurethral resection of prostate(BPH) and radical prostatectomy and prostate biopsies(prostate cancer). Androgen receptors were stained predominantly in nucleus of glandular cell. Normal prostates were stained homogeneously and heterogeneous staining of androgen receptor was more in pro- state cancer than BPH and in high grade(Gleason`s score 5-10) than low grade (Gleason`s score 2-4). Total intensity score of normal prostate, BPH and prostate cancer were 196.6+/-20.8, 202. 4+/-54.3 and 180.6+/-47.0 respectively and cancer tissues were stained the least intensely, but statistically not significant(P > 0.05). Staining of prostate cancer revealed less intensity in high grade(161.8+/-36.8, P < 0.05) than low grade(215.0+/-46.8). It is postulated that the distribution of androgen receptor in the prostate cancer was correlated with cellular differentiation and also it is suggesting that androgen receptor is closely related with development of androgen independent cancer.