Immunohistochemical identification of prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen in female periurethral glands.

Periurethral glands were found in 7 of 10 female urethras harvested at autopsy. In all 7 cases, immunoperoxidase staining showed the presence of prostatic acid phosphatase in glandular acini. By similar techniques, prostate specific antigen was demonstrated in acini of 4 of 7 urethras with periurethral glands. The findings support a female homologue of the male prostate.