Expression of protein C inhibitor (PCI) in benign and malignant prostatic tissues.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: Protein C inhibitor (PCI) occurs at high concentration in seminal plasma, and inhibits human glandular kallikrein-2 and, less readily, prostate-specific antigen. Previous studies have localized PCI in the male genital tract. Here we have performed a detailed investigation of PCI expression in the prostatic tissues, metastases, and cell lines. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and Western blotting were used to study prostatic tissues, metastases, and PC-3, DU-145, and LNCaP cells. RESULTS: PCI was immunolocalized in tissue microarray spots with BPH epithelium (detection rate 100%), PIN lesions (100%), tumors (96%), metastases (88%), and in all cell lines. ISH and WB supported the findings. CONCLUSIONS: PCI is widely expressed in benign prostatic epithelium, and may act as a local regulator of enzymatic activity in seminal fluid, of importance for normal sperm function. Lack of PCI expression in a subpopulation of high-grade tumor cells in combination with maintained protease expression may facilitate invasive growth patterns.

Authors: Cao, Y; Becker, C; Lundwall, A; Christensson, A; Gadaleanu, V

• Journal: Prostate
• Volume: 57
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 196-204
• Publication date: 2003-11-01
• DOI: 10.1002/pros.10296
• EISSN: 1097-0045
• ISSN: 0270-4137
• Language: English
• Keywords: Androgens; Cell Line, Tumor; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Protein C Inhibitor; In Situ Hybridization; Male; Blotting, Western; Prostatic Neoplasms; Humans; Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent; Carcinoma; RNA, Neoplasm; Immunohistochemistry; Prostatic Hyperplasia