Metallothionein expression in human prostate gland

OBJECTIVE: This study is conducted to detect metallothionein (MT) distribution in the epithelial cells of prostate gland from patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy and adenocarcinoma.

METHODS: Prostatic tissues from patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy and adenocarcinoma were processed for immunocytochemistry using indirect peroxidase antiperoxidase procedure and primary antibody against MT. The samples were collected over a period of 2-3 years and were processed at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan in the year 2002.

RESULTS: All prostatic tissues showed a positive reaction for MT. In benign prostatic hypertrophy, MT was mainly localized in the nuclei of epithelial cells while in the adenocarcinoma; MT was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION: Metallothionein expression may be affected by the pathological status of the prostate. In addition, these findings could be used in diagnosing and evaluating the prognosis of different pathological conditions of the prostate.