Effect of ageing on albino rat female prostate (paraurethralglands): a histological, immunohistochemical andmorphometric study

IntroductionThe prostate is not a gland exclusive to males, also being an organ of the femalegenital system.Aim of the workThe aim of this study was to detect histological, immunohistochemical andmorphometric changes associated with ageing in female paraurethral glands(PUGs).Materials and methodsForty female rats were divided into two groups: adult group and aged group; eachgroup comprised 20 rats. PUGs of both groups were removed, paraffin sectionswere obtained and stained with H E, Mallory trichrome, periodic acid schiff,anti-α smooth muscle actin and anti-Ki67 immunostains, and then studiedmorphometrically.ResultsThe adult gland was formed of two lobes located on both sides of the urethra andshowed large and small acini with wide lumens that contained periodic acid schiffpositivesecretions. The acini were lined by cubical and/or columnar epithelium oftwo types: secretory and basal cells. Also, a few collagen fibres, thick periacinarsmooth muscle layers and a few Ki67-positive cells were observed. Aged glandshowed disarrangement of acinar epithelium, with formation of alveolus-likestructures. Stroma was more vascular, with the appearance of newly developedacini and inflammatory infiltrate. Statistically, aged gland showed a highly significantincrease in the number of acini, height of acinar epithelium, area% of collagen andKi67 immunoexpression. In addition, a highly significant decrease in the area of acini,and a significant decrease in the acinar nuclear area and thickness of periacinarsmooth muscle layers were detected.Conclusion and recommendationAgeing of female prostate (PUG) was associated with abnormal histological andmorphometric changes similar to those occurring in male prostate and this couldadversely affect the health and quality of women’s life. Therefore, further studiesare needed to elucidate processes that maintain homeostasis of this gland.