Ultrastructural study of the ventral lobe of the prostate of mice with streptozotocin induced diabetes (C57BL/6J)

Morphological and functional changes caused by diabetes in the accessory se x organs and especially the prostate have been reported by several investig ators, The aim of the present study was to examine the possible deleterious effects of experimentally induced diabetes on the secretory epithelium of the ventral prostate of mice. Sixteen adult male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups. The diabetic group received a streptozotocin injection of 75 mg/kg, while the control group received only 0.1 ml citrate buffer, i.p . After 30 days, the diabetic state was ascertained, the animals were sacri ficed and the ventral robe of the prostate was collected for histological a nd ultrastructural examination. The results showed reduction in glandular e pithelium cell height, increased numbers of cytoplasmic vacuoles and thicke ning of the extracellular matrix. In conclusion, experimental diabetes has harmful effects on the secretory epithelial cells of the ventral lobe of th e prostate of mice. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.