C. Morrison et al., The connective tissue framework in the normal prostate, BPH and prostate cancer: analysis by scanning electron microscopy after cellular digestion, UROL RES, 28(5), 2000, pp. 304-307
The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to determine if a cellular dig
estion process can facilitate examination of the morphology of the connecti
ve tissue framework of the prostate, and (2) to examine the connective tiss
ue framework in normal prostate tissue, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
and prostate cancer. Ten prostate glands were examined. Using the Ohtani me
thod of digestion, the cellular elements were removed. This enabled scannin
g electron microscopy analysis of the connective tissue framework within th
e prostatic tissue. Light microscopy of tissue blocks determined the histol
ogy of specimens. The prostate is supported by a highly structured network
of collagen fibres. This network of fibres varies in normal and diseased st
ates. In benign prostatic hyperplasia, the collagen network is dense, with
an increased number of fibres. In prostatic adenocarcinoma, there is non-un
iform swelling with a loss and disintegration of collagen fibres. In conclu
sion, sodium hydroxide cellula; digestion provides an excellent method for
demonstrating the connective tissue framework of prostatic tissue. The morp
hological changes in collagen fibres in normal prostate, benign prostatic h
yperplasia and prostatic adenocarcinoma have implications for prostate grow
th in normal and diseased states.