ABSTRACT
Introduction: The prostate is not a gland exclusive to males, also being an organ of the female genital system
Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to detect histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric changes associated with ageing in female paraurethral glands [PUGs]
Materials and methods: Forty female rats were divided into two groups: adult group and aged group; each group comprised 20 rats. PUGs of both groups were removed, paraffin sections were obtained and stained with H and E, Mallory trichrome, periodic acid schiff, anti-alpha smooth muscle actin and anti-Ki67 immunostains, and then studied morphometrically
Results: The adult gland was formed of two lobes located on both sides of the urethra and showed large and small acini with wide lumens that contained periodic acid schiff-positive secretions. The acini were lined by cubical and/or columnar epithelium of two types: secretory and basal cells. Also, a few collagen fibres, thick periacinar smooth muscle layers and a few Ki67-positive cells were observed. Aged gland showed disarrangement of acinar epithelium, with formation of alveolus-like structures. Stroma was more vascular, with the appearance of newly developed acini and inflammatory infiltrate. Statistically, aged gland showed a highly significant increase in the number of acini, height of acinar epithelium, area% of collagen and Ki67 immunoexpression. In addition, a highly significant decrease in the area of acini, and a significant decrease in the acinar nuclear area and thickness of periacinar smooth muscle layers were detected
Conclusion and recommendation: Ageing of female prostate [PUG] was associated with abnormal histological and morphometric changes similar to those occurring in male prostate and this could adversely affect the health and quality of women's life. Therefore, further studies are needed to elucidate processes that maintain homeostasis of this gland