Literature Review: Introduction

Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer:

Review of recent literature with an emphasis on recent developments and basic mechanisms

The epithelial components of the benign prostate consist of luminal secretory cells and basal cells that can be identified on H&E-stained sections under light microscope. In addition, there is a third minor component of neuroendocrine (NE) cells which can only be identified by electron microscopy or immunohistochemical staining with antibodies for NE markers (chromogranin, synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase) or NE products. Prostatic NE cells are intraglandular and intraductal cells with hybrid epithelial, neural and endocrine features. They express and secrete serotonin and numerous peptides/ neuropeptides. They are generally widely scattered throughout the prostate with only an occasional cell per gland/ duct, but are most consistently found in the periurethral ducts and verumontanum. Among the different zones of human prostate, transition zone and peripheral zone have more abundant NE cells than central zone, suggesting their potential involvement in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, respectively (Santamaria et al, 2002). A small percentage of human prostates contain numerous NE cells.

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