Involution of spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia in the dog under the influence of chronic treatment with a LHRH agonist.

Eight dogs with spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of 25 micrograms of Buserelin, (D-Ser(TBU)6,des-Gly-NH2(10))ethylamide during 3 months. Prostate weight before treatment was estimated by tridimensional measurements during open surgery. After 3 months of treatment, prostate weight was decreased by 50-60% In two castrated control animals, prostate weight decreased about 70% after 3 months. Histological pattern in prostates from castrated or Buserelin-treated animals was similar and indicated considerable atrophy of glandular epithelium and predominance of stroma. At the same time, testes weight decreased with complete disappearance of spermatogenic activity. Acid phosphatase and arginine esterase activity levels, two markers of androgenic action in the prostate, were similar after Buserelin or castration. Steroid receptors for androgens, estrogens, and progesterone also behaved similarly under the influence of Buserelin and castration.