Primary explant culture of human prostate tissue: a model for the study of prostate physiology and pathology.

An explant of human prostate tissue containing viable acini will give rise in vitro to an outgrowth of epithelial cells of presumed basal cell origin. These cells can be passaged by trypsinization, undergo numerous population doublings (up to 50-60), and attempt a normal pattern of differentiation, which may succeed, to varying degrees, depending on conditions of culture. The system can serve as a useful model for analysis of the role of hormones, growth factors, cytoskeletal elements, cell-cell interactions, and of the basement membrane both in normal physiology and in pathology of the prostate. The system also should prove useful in the evaluation of the possible roles of chemical carcinogens, radiation, and viral or cellular oncogenes in carcinogenesis. Moreover, the model system should be useful in the evaluation of chemical, physical, or biological agents for treatment or prevention of prostate cancers.