Differentiated rabbit prostatic stromal cells in primary culture display functional α1A-adrenoceptors

Abstract

Aims: BPH is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and increased contractility of prostatic smooth muscle cells. The activation of α1-adrenoceptors (α1-AR) seems involved in the latter event, but the lack of in vitro models expressing these receptors has hampered a more specific characterization of their role. In order to do so, we attempted to develop a new model of rabbit cultured prostatic stromal cells (PSC) in a non-proliferative and differentiated state. Methods: The expression of cytoskeletal and stromal markers was confirmed by immunohistochemistry on primary cultured PSC. α1-AR subtype expression was assessed by RT-PCR, while receptor coupling to the ERK1/ERK2 and calcium path..