Determination of effective dose of testosterone propionate for the induction of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the nonmalignant growth or hyperplasia of prostate tissue and is a common cause of lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) in older men. The incidence of the condition and clinical burden has inspired the search for intervention strategies and deepened the study for better understanding of the disease etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and possible cure. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=5). Group 1 received normal rat chow and water ad libitum, and served as the normal control. Groups 2 and 3 received 3 mg/kg b.wt of TP for 11 days and 22 days respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received 6 mg/kg b.wt of TP for 11 days and 22 days respectively. Groups 6 and 7 received 9 mg/kg b.wt of TP for 11 days and 22 days respectively. Following euthanasia, blood was collected and serum decanted for biochemical assay. The prostate gland was harvested and prepared for histological study. The serum testosterone level increased significantly (p<0.05) from 3.67±0.81 ng/ml in group 1(normal control) to 6.67±1.16 ng/ml, 9.80±2.47 ng/ml and 8.20±2.14 ng/ml respectively for groups treated with 3 mg/kg b.wt, 6 mg/kg b.wt and 9 mg/kg b.wt of TP for 22days. PSA concentration was also significantly elevated in the TP treated groups. Histological sections showed alterations in the histoarchitecture of the prostate gland treated with TP, particularly at doses of 6 mg/kg b.wt and 9 mg/kg b.wt. TP treatment led to increase in prostate index. The biochemical changes and the typical adenosis seen in the histomorphology of the test groups proves that TP synthetically induces BPH. Duration above 10 days and up to 22 days show lasting BPH signs in experimental model. Doses of up to 9 mg/kg b.wt of TP should not be used for experimental purposes owing to the severe physical changes observed in the group treated with 9 mg/kg b.wt of TP for 22 days.