The connective tissue framework in the normal prostate, BPH and prostate cancer: analysis by scanning electron microscopy after cellular digestion.

The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to determine if a cellular digestion process can facilitate examination of the morphology of the connective tissue framework of the prostate, and (2) to examine the connective tissue framework in normal prostate tissue, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Ten prostate glands were examined. Using the Ohtani method of digestion, the cellular elements were removed. This enabled scanning electron microscopy analysis of the connective tissue framework within the prostatic tissue. Light microscopy of tissue blocks determined the histology of specimens. The prostate is supported by a highly structured network of collagen fibres. This network of fibres varies in normal and diseased states. In benign prostatic hyperplasia, the collagen network is dense, with an increased number of fibres. In prostatic adenocarcinoma, there is non-uniform swelling with a loss and disintegration of collagen fibres. In conclusion, sodium hydroxide cellular digestion provides an excellent method for demonstrating the connective tissue framework of prostatic tissue. The morphological changes in collagen fibres in normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic adenocarcinoma have implications for prostate growth in normal and diseased states.