Aims: To analyze the prostatic compartments, extracellular matrix, microvascularization, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and angiotensin II receptors type 1 (AT1) levels, and histopathology of the ventral prostate in a rat model for rheumatoid arthritis, and to evaluate the effect of angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker (ARB) in the disease.
Main methods: Fifteen male rats (90 days old) were divided into three groups (n = 5/group): control, adjuvant-induced arthritis without (AIA) or with AT1 receptor blocker (AIA + ARB). Animals were euthanized 60 days after immunization. The ventral prostate was collected, weighed, and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.
Key findings: Our results show that AIA increases production of the prostatic epithelium and extracellular matrix, accompanied by a reduction in the number of tissue capillaries. ARB treatment promotes decreased production of extracellular matrix and increased TGF-β and AT1 receptor immunostaining.
Significance: AIA may activate specific mechanisms that modify the prostatic environment; the use of ARB attenuates some altered prostate parameters in a rat model for arthritis.
Keywords: Angiotensin; Arthritis; Experimental; Prostate; Receptor; Type 1.
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