Reconstruction of prostatic acinus-like structure from ventral and dorsolateral prostatic epithelial cells of the rat in three-dimensional collagen gel matrix culture

Purpose: The study was carried out to reconstruct a prostatic acinus-like structure from prostatic epithelial cells in a new culture system which can provide condition than conventional cell culture methods. Materials and Methods: Prostatic epithelial cells were isolated from ventral and dorsolateral prostates of the rat and were separately cultured in three-dimensional collagen gel matrix. The cultured cells were observed by photo-microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Differentiation and proliferation of the cultured cells were examined by immunohistochemistry using PAP and PSA kits and a bromodeoxy-uridine (BrdU) kit. The cell area of acinus-like structures in the transverse sections was measured by computer with the Interaktive Bild-Analyse System. Results: Dissociated prostatic epithelial cells were organized into three-dimensional spherical or branching cellular aggregates in collagen gel matrix. Through cell proliferation and differentiation, the cellular aggregates formed prostatic acinus-like structures, which consisted of a small intercellular lumen enclosed by one layer of cuboidal epithelial cells. The epithelial cells were connected together by junctional complexes, had microvilli at the luminal surface, and the basal side was surrounded by a distinct basal lamina. In the lumina of acinus-like structures, secretory products were often found. Conclusions: Prostatic acinus-like structures were reconstructed from dissociated prostatic epithelial cells in three-dimensional collagen gel matrix culture. The reconstructed acinus-like structures are similar to prostatic acini in vivo in structure and function. This three-dimensional collagen gel matrix culture model may provide a useful means for investigating prostatic diseases and influences that hormones and growth factors exert on prostatic epithelial cells.