Epithelial and stromal alterations in prostate after cypermethrin administration in adult albino rats (histological and biochemical study).

Histological and biochemical alterations induced in prostate by cypermethrin insecticide exposure were investigated in adult albino rats. 60 mg/kg/day of cypermethrin were given orally to experimental group for 15 days then prostatic specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations and for assessment of oxidative stress markers; prostatic glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Masson's trichrome and anti-α-actin antibodies immunohistochemical staining were done. Blood samples were collected for measurement of total and prostatic acid phosphatase enzymes. Morphometric and statistical analyses were conducted. Cypermethrin treated group showed decrease in acinar epithelial height with detection of heterochromatic nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolations and few apical microvilli. The stroma surrounding the acini was widened with significant increase in collagen fibers and significant decrease in smooth muscle cell α-actin immunoexpression. This was accompanied by a significant decrease of prostatic GSH level, activity of GPx enzyme with a significant increase in MDA level. Significant decrease in total and prostatic enzyme activities was also detected. In conclusion, cypermethrin induced epithelial degenerative changes in prostate which were accompanied by stromal alterations that seemed to be due to oxidative stress. More attention is required to the role of stromal microenvironment and oxidative stress markers in prostatic diseases.