The effect of antiestrogen, antiandrogen, and the prolactin inhibitor 2 bromo-alpha-ergocriptine on the stromal tissue of human benign prostatic hyperplasia. Correlation of stereological data and plasma hormones.

In an attempt to shed light on the action of endogenous androgens and estrogens on the stromal tissue of the human prostate, we studied the effect of selective androgen (cyproterone acetate), estrogen (tamoxifen), and prolactin (bromocriptine) antagonists. The application of cyproterone acetate led to a reduced relative volumetric amount of the smooth muscle cell organelles, whereas the administration of tamoxifen effected no alteration as compared to pretreatment values. The administration of bromocriptine led to further activation of the smooth muscle cells in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Hormones, such as leutinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, 17-beta-estradiol, and prolactin were measured to assess alterations of the pituitary gonadal axis.