The Fine Structure of the Epithelial Cells of the Mouse Prostate

Abstract

The fine structure of the epithelial cells of the anterior lobe, or coagulating gland, of the mouse prostate has been investigated by electron microscopy. This organ is composed of small tubules, lined by tall, simple cuboidal epithelium surrounded by connective tissue and smooth muscle. The epithelial cells are limited by a distinct plasma membrane, which covers minute projections of the cytoplasm into the lumen. The cell membranes of adjacent cells are separated by a narrow layer of structureless material of low density. The cavities of the endoplasmic reticulum are greatly dilated, and the cytoplasmic matrix is reduced to narrow strands, in which the various organelles are visible. The content of the cavities of the endoplasmic reticulum appears as structureless material of lesser density than the cytoplasmic matrix. Material which may be interpreted as secretion products can be seen in the lumina of the tubules. The possible nature of the material inside the cisternal spaces and the secretory mechanisms in these cells is discussed.

Expression of the ZNT (SLC30) family members in the epithelium of the mouse prostate during sexual maturation

“…ZNT2 was not detectable at 4 weeks of age. But its expression became obvious at 8 weeks and it was mainly detected in the basal part of the epithelial cell where the most dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum resides (ER) (Brandes and Portela 1960a). In the dorsal, lateral, and ventral epithelium of the prostate, ZNT2 was found in the cytoplasm near the lateral boundary and the apical pole of the cell where the flattened ER predominately resides (Brandes and Portela 1960b), suggesting the ER localization of ZNT2.…”

“…4B). In the lateral lobe, ZNT5 immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells except for the region where the Golgi apparatus located (Brandes and Portela 1960a) (Fig. 4B).…”

The Fine Structure of the Epithelial Cells of the Mouse Prostate

“…In a study of the fine structure of the epithelium of the prostatic complex of the mouse, a description was presented of one of the components, the anterior lobe or coagulating gland (2). In this paper, observations pertaining to a second component, the ventral lobe, will be described, and the differences in organization of both lobes will be discussed.…”

PosteriorHoxgene expression in developing genitalia

“…The coagulating gland consists of two to three main ducts per lobe, with a large number of secondary branch outgrowths apparent from the main ducts. It consists of an interior layer of glandular epithelial cells surrounded by smooth muscle and a connective tissue sheath (Brandes and Portela 1960). At birth, the ventral prostate consists of one to three main ducts per lobe that have already undergone secondary and tertiary branching (Sugimura et al 1986).…”