Free amino acids and ninhydrin-reacting compounds of median and lateral lobes in human benign prostatic hypertrophy.

The levels of free amino acids and ninhydrin-reacting substances were determined in median and lateral lobes of human benign prostatic hypertrophy. Student's paired t test showed only a statistical difference for the hypotaurine concentration. This compound is present at higher levels in the lateral lobes. The different hypotheses formulated in the literature about the presence and possible metabolic role of hypotaurine in the male reproductive tract are examined.