EFFECT OF SEX HORMONES AND HUMAN PROSTATIC GROWTH FACTOR ON THE PROLIFERATION OF CULTURED FIBROBLASTS DERIVED FROM HUMAN FETAL PROSTATE / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Prostatic stromal fibroblasts were obtained from human fetal prostate and the effect of androgen (DHT) , estrogen (E2) , and human prostatic growth factor (hPGF) on the proliferation of the cultured fibroblasts was studied. The results showed that 1) DHT and hPGF had significant stimulatory effect on proliferation of the cells; DHT had a delayed stimulatory effect, while hPGF had an immediate one. 2) E2 had no effect on proliferation of the cultured fibroblasts. 3) Used jointly, E2 and DHT had no stimulating effect on the proliferation of the fibroblasts. The results suggest that the effect of DHT on the proliferation of human prostatic stromal fibroblasts may be indirect. It possibly regulates the growth of prostate by stimulating autocrine or paracrine function of the prostatic cells.