Prostatic distribution of sex hormone-binding globulin and cortisol-binding globulin in benign hyperplasia.

Sex hormone-binding globulin-(SHBG) and cortisol-binding globulin-(CBG) like proteins have been demonstrated in prostatic tissue surgically removed from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. These proteins are not easily removed by superfusion of tissue slices. Epithelial tissue was separated from stroma and found not to contain the SHBG- or CBG-like proteins. Substantial amounts of these proteins, however, remained associated with the stroma. It is suggested that they may be constituents of interstitial fluid in this tissue compartment. The possible significance of this in benign prostatic hyperplasia is discussed.