ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The prostate gland plays an important role in male and female reproductive system. Data on this organ have not been fully explored in women since its first description, probably because it is considered a vestigial gland. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the morphology of the female prostate with age in autopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two female cadavers, 31 adults and one newborn, underwent dissection of the region corresponding to the prostate for histological analysis. The urethral region was divided into three portions: proximal, median, and distal. All the glands present in the samples were counted. Clinical data were collected, including age and previous diagnosis of menopause. RESULTS: There were no macroscopically visible prostate. Morphological analyses showed glands surrounding the urethra with a stratified epithelium, ranging from squamous to columnar types, with prevalence of basophilic cells and some presenting with secretion inside. A significant correlation with prostate tissue was found between the median and the proximal urethra, as well as between the median and distal urethra, suggesting that when the glandular structures increase in the median region, there is also an increase in the anterior and distal structures. Moreover, a prevalence of the glands in the median urethra was observed in post-menopausal women. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the number of female prostate glands increases after menopause, with proliferative spread and growth of the median portion to the proximal and distal portions.
RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A próstata é uma glândula com papel importante no sistema reprodutor masculino e feminino. Dados sobre esse órgão não foram completamente explorados em mulheres desde a sua primeira descrição, provavelmente por ser considerada uma glândula vestigial. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a morfologia da próstata feminina com a idade em autópsias. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trinta e dois cadáveres do sexo feminino, sendo 31 adultos e um recém-nascido, tiveram sua região correspondente à próstata dissecada e avaliada por meio de histologia. A região uretral foi dividida em três partes: anterior, mediana e distal. As glândulas presentes nas amostras foram contadas. Dados clínicos foram coletados, incluindo idade e diagnóstico prévio de menopausa. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas próstatas macroscopicamente. Análises morfológicas mostraram glândulas ao redor da uretra com epitélio estratificado, variando do tipo escamoso a colunar, com predomínio de células basófilas e algumas apresentando secreção em seu interior. Correlação significativa com tecido prostático foi detectada entre a uretra mediana e a proximal, assim como entre as uretras mediana e distal, sugerindo que quando as estruturas glandulares aumentam na região mediana, há também aumento nas estruturas anterior e distal. Além disso, o predomínio das glândulas na uretra mediana foi observado em mulheres pós-menopausa. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que o número de glândulas prostáticas femininas aumenta após a menopausa, com disseminação e crescimento da região mediana para a proximal e distal.
ABSTRACT
Different from the classic view, the prostate is not a gland exclusive to the male, also being an organ of the female genital system presenting morphofunctional similarity between human and rodent. Thus structural, ultrastructural, morphometric-stereological features of the female prostate (Skene's paraurethral gland) and steroid serological levels were evaluated during young, adult, and senile ages in the Mongolian gerbil. The morphofunctional precocity of the female gland in comparison with the male gland occurring in young gland is probably associated with the female circulating steroid levels. The hormonal imbalance in senesce coincides with its susceptibility to histopathological lesions, such as epithelial hypertrophy, metaplasia, and intraepithelial neoplasia. Differently than that of males, the aging degeneration of the female gland involves the accumulation of lipofuscin granules. However, the alterations in senile prostate did not damage its functionality. These analyses reinforce the use of this experimental model for the comprehension of glandular morphofunctional aspects with special attention to senescence. Thus, the appreciation of this organ becomes relevant to avoid future discomfort to women's health.
