Analysis of cell death and cell proliferation in embryonic stages, normal adult, and aging prostates in human and animals.

Homeostasis in the prostate is recognized to be maintained by a complex interplay between the opposing actions of cell proliferation and cell death. Growth regulatory factors that promote or inhibit cell proliferation and promote cellular death have been identified in the prostate. The integration of these forces involves cellular cooperation between the prostatic stroma and epithelium. Hormone-regulated production of growth regulatory factors by one cell type may determine growth stimulation, inhibition, or cell death in a reciprocal cell partner. Imbalance between net cell proliferation and net cell death rates may result in abnormal growth leading to BPH. Additional study of the growth regulatory factors associated with distal vs. proximal epithelial cells and stroma and comparison of growth factor expression by the neonatal, postnatal growing, adult quiescent, and aging prostates will likely provide further insight into the regulation of prostate cell division and death.