The 'female prostate': location, morphology, immunohistochemical characteristics and significance

Eur Urol. 1992;22(1):64-9. doi: 10.1159/000474724.

Abstract

Using immunostaining for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), we can demonstrate prostate-analogous periurethral glands (the 'female prostate') in 66.7% of 33 cases. Histomorphologically, these glands resemble strongly the male prostate glands before puberty. They remain immature throughout life from the fetal period up to advanced age obviously because of a lack of an androgenic stimulus. The glands have long ducts leading into the urethra. A proper stroma component is missing. The immunohistochemical behavior of these glands also corresponds widely to that of the male prostate glands before puberty. No indications can be found for a proper biological function.

MeSH terms

  • Acid Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Exocrine Glands / anatomy & histology*
  • Exocrine Glands / chemistry
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Keratins / analysis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostate / anatomy & histology
  • Prostate / enzymology
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / analysis
  • Urethra*
  • Vimentin / analysis

Substances

  • Vimentin
  • Keratins
  • Acid Phosphatase
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen