Analysis of the prostatic central zone in patients with unilateral absence of wolffian duct structures: further evidence of the mesodermal origin of the prostatic central zone.

PURPOSE

We evaluate the status of the prostatic central zone in patients with unilateral absence of the seminal vesicles and vas deferens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The entire bases of the prostate specimens from 3 patients with unilateral absence of the seminal vesicles and vas deferens who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostatic adenocarcinoma were evaluated on hemotoxylin and eosin stained sections for the distribution of the central zone. Immunohistochemical stains for pepsinogen II were performed on areas thought to be central zone and on corresponding contralateral sections.

RESULTS

In 1 patient who appeared to have complete unilateral absence of wolffian duct structures the central zone was absent on that side. In the 2 other patients who did not have complete wolffian duct absence the central zone was present on the side lacking the seminal vesicle and vas deferens. The ejaculatory duct was absent on the side ipsilateral to the absent seminal vesicle and vas deferens in the 2 patients for whom it could be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings support the concept that the prostatic central zone is mesodermally derived. However, not all patients lacking the seminal vesicle and vas deferens are missing a prostatic central zone, suggesting that this is a heterogeneous disorder.