Effect of epristeride on expression of TGF-beta receptor in rat prostatic epithelial cells in vitro

AIM: To assess the effect of epristeride on the expression of transforming growth factor P type ii receptor (TPR II) in rat prostatic epithelial cells in vitro. METHODS: RT-PCR and Western blot were used to quantitatively det ect the mRNA and protein expressions of T betaR II in rat prostatic epithel ial cells treated or untreated with epristeride. Immunocytochemical stainin g method was used to qualitatively analyze the expression of T betaR II pro tein. RESULTS: After treatment with epristeride 180 or 360 nmol/L, T betaR II mRNA expression levels were 0.56 +/- 0.08 and 0.59 +/- 0.07, respectivel y, which were significantly up-regulated compared with control cells (0.38 +/- 0.04, P < 0.05); expression level of TPR II protein were 3163 +/- 920 a nd 6769 +/- 1941, respectively, which were also markedly up-regulated compa red with control cells (536 +/- 240, P < 0.05). Immunostaining showed weak positive reaction in control cells, while strong staining of TPR II was fou nd in epristeride-treated cells. CONCLUSION: Epristeride may upregulate the expression of TPR II to induce apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cells.