After a review of the latest points of view about the etiopathogenesis of prostatic hyperplasia; i.e. hormonal growth factors, McNeal's theory of reawakening, theories based on the involvement of staminal cells, and the correlation between BPH and prostatic cancer, the authors report their practical experience on this subject. Since 1989 they have prepared in-vitro cultures, standardized the methodology and obtained an “immortalized” cell clone named U285. These cells have been cultivated with different concentrations of testosterone and growth factors. Analyses were performed by direct observation, providing cytologic and immunochemical preparations for morphologic characterization, and using the Frame cytotoxity test to determine the proliferative index. From a preliminary survey of results it seems that the DHT does not affect multiplication of the cells, but takes part in the differentiation process, becoming an agent of well-being and not a real growth factor. The EGF would appear to be efficacious only at high dosage with non differentiation and growth of immature cells. Suramine, a growth factor antagonist, and Finasteride, an inhibitor of the 5 alpha reductase enzyme, were utilized to explain the micro-endocrinology mechanisms at the origin of these processes.
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