Influence of Surgical Techniques on Receptor Levels and 5α-Reductase Activity of the Human Prostate Gland

Abstract

This study examines the effects of removing prostate specimens by different surgical techniques on the androgen receptor levels and 5a-reductase activity of the tissue. Comparison of specimen obtained by transurethral resection (TUR) with those from an open operation revealed that the size of the resected chips was critical in maintaining the hormonal activities of the specimens. Provided that the size (length X thickness) of the resected chips was greater than 1.5 X 0.4 cm there was no effect on either the androgen receptor levels or the testosterone-metabolizing activity of the tissue, and TUR specimens can therefore be reliably used to assess the hormonal activity of the gland.