Biosynthesis and localization of inhibin in human prostate.

Inhibin biosynthesis by human prostatic tissue was investigated in vitro. Serum levels of inhibin as well as tissue concentrations in different cells and zones of the normal and benign hyperplastic prostates were determined. Immunocytochemical localization of inhibin identified the involvement of epithelial but not stromal cells in the synthesis and release of prostatic inhibin into the circulation. The endocrine and paracrine functions of prostatic inhibin remain to be elucidated.