AMPHIREGULIN IS EXPRESSED IN PRIMARY CULTURES OF PROSTATE MYOFIBROBLASTS, FIBROBLASTS, EPITHELIAL-CELLS, AND IN PROSTATE TISSUE

The effect and expression of amphiregulin, a growth factor of the EGF- system was investigated in prostate primary cell cultures and in human prostate tissue. Amphiregulin increases proliferation in primary cult ures of prostate myofibroblasts grown in serum-free medium. Amphiregul in mRNA is expressed in high amounts in primary cell cultures of prost ate myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and in samples of p rostate tissue. The data are supported by Western-blotting of amphireg ulin in prostate myofibroblasts. These data call for a refocus of the expression and effects of the EGF system in the prostate.