Estrogen-mediated exocytosis in the glandular epithelium of prostates in castrated and hypophysectomized dogs.

Glandular cells in the prostate of the intact, adult dog contain numerous, large secretory granules that are released by exocytosis. Following hypophysectomy or castration, the glandular epithelium atrophies and the secretory granules degenerate and eventually disappear. Pharmacologic doses of estradiol-17 beta 17-cyclopentylpropionate cause the regressed glandular cells to synthesize a new population of smaller granules that are also released by exocytosis, even though estrogen is known to inhibit fluid secretion by the canine prostate. Thus, the mechanisms involved in prostatic synthesis and exocytosis of secretory granules are independent of those regulating fluid secretion and are operative in the absence of androgen or pituitary hormones.