BOTOX-INDUCED PROSTATIC INVOLUTION

BACKGROUND. A simple approach to induced prostatic atrophy was explore d. Surgical denervation is known to produce profound atrophy of the ra t prostate. Because Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) produces a long-ter m chemical denervation, the potential to induce atrophy of the rat pro state was explored. METHODS. Thirty rat prostates were injected with v arying doses of Botox. Single and serial injections were used, and rat s were subsequently sacrificed after either 1 or 4 weeks, respectively . The prostate glands were harvested, weighed, and histologically stud ied for morphologic and apoptotic changes. RESULTS. The total prostate volume and weight were found to be reduced in all Botox-injected anim als. Histologically, a generalized atrophy of the glands was observed with the H&E stain. There was also diffuse glandular apoptosis evident with the Tunel stain. There were no significant complications (e.g., urinary retention, weight loss, or hind/limb weakness). CONCLUSIONS. B otulinum toxin type A injection into the prostate gland induces select ive denervation and subsequent atrophy of the prostate. Apoptosis was seen diffusely throughout the gland. It may be possible that in the fu ture, this long-acting neurotoxin could be used for the treatment of c ommon pathologies of the human prostate. Prostate 37:44-50, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.