Hormonal influences on the dog prostate--a correlation study with light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy.

Dog prostates under defined hormonal influences were investigated by light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The normal acinar cell apices exhibited well-developed, densely packed microvilli. TEM demonstrated numerous secretory granules, indicating a high secretory activity. Following castration, the acinar cells of the dog prostate showed rounded apices. Most of the microvilli disappeared and only knob-like protrusions were seen. Castrated dogs following administration of 3 alpha-androstandiol showed fewer microvilli than the controls; however, a well-developed undulating surface could be observed. Castrated dogs given 3 alpha-androstandiol and cyproterone acetate showed almost completely atrophic glandular cells. Prostates of dogs with spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were characterized by pleomorphism of cell shapes and surfaces. The different hormonal influences induced changes of the prostatic surface structures and secretory activity.