Clinical perspective on apoptosis in the management of the BPH patient

Abstract

BACKGROUND Traditionally, α1‐adrenoceptor (AR) antagonists have been assumed to produce clinical benefit by an exclusive action on the tone of the periurethral stromal smooth muscle. However, recent evidence has emerged of additional intra‐ and extraprostatic actions. METHODS This article attempts to put into clinical context the recently described effects of certain α1‐AR on prostate cell dynamics (i.e., proliferation and apoptosis). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS There is good evidence that certain α1‐AR antagonists, in addition to affecting stromal smooth muscle, have effects on prostatic apoptosis that contribute to the overall clinical profile. Furthermore, this is not a class effect and may be restricted to balanced quinazoline α blockers (BQABs), such as terazosin. Prostate Supplement 9:47–50, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.