Hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells express functional follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)

Purpose: Understanding growth regulation in hormone-refractory prostate can cer may provide avenues for novel treatment interventions. This study was c onducted to characterize the expression of the receptor (FSHR) for follicle -stimulating hormone (FSH) in androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lin es and in human malignant prostate tissues. Materials and Methods: Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and fl ow cytometric analysis were used to study the expression of FSHR. The effec t of FSH on cell growth and clonogenicity was studied using proliferation a nd clonogenic assays. Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of FSH in PC3 and Du145 c ells. FSHR was identified in PC3 and Du145 cells, as well as in human adeno carcinoma of the prostate. The specificity of the FSHR detected on prostate cancer tissues or cells by IHC and Western blotting was confirmed by preab sorbing the antibodies with the immunizing antigens. Stimulation of these h ormone-refractory cells with FSH triggered a proliferative response in vitr o, suggesting that the receptor is biologically active. Conclusion: Hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells express FSH and biolog ically active FSHR. Our results suggest that FSHR and its ligand may play a role in the regulation of the growth of hormone-refractory prostate cancer s.