Platelet-derived growth factor A and B chains and the α and β receptors in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF A, PDGF B) and their receptors (PDGF alpha, PDGF beta) in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunoperoxidase labeling was used to detect the extent of antibody labeling in 29 different high grade PIN specimens. RESULTS: PDGF A and PDGF alpha were uniformly expressed in glandular epithelial and stromal cells, whereas PDGF B was not expressed by either tissue. However, PDGF beta was lightly expressed in a uniform manner by both the glandular epithelial and stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that an autocrine loop may exist in which the epithelial cells of high-grade PIN express PDGF AA and PDGF alpha to modulate growth of precancerous lesions.