Abstract
Diabetes-associated alterations in prostate α<sub>1A</sub>-adrenoceptor (α<sub>1A</sub>-AR) gene expression were studied using a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: group I animals were vehicle-treated normal rats; group II consisted of vehicle-treated, STZ-diabetic rats; group III represented insulin-treated, STZ-diabetic rats (0.5 IU/kg three times daily for 4 days), and group IV animals were phlorizin-treated, STZ-diabetic rats (1 mg/kg three times daily for 4 days). The expression of mRNA that encoded protein of α<sub>1A</sub>-AR in the rat prostate was studied using reverse transcription combined with polymerase chain reaction. The α<sub>1A</sub>-AR protein expression in the prostate was studied by Western blotting analysis with a polyclonal antiserum. A 2.51 ± 0.21-fold increase in the mRNA level of α<sub>1A</sub>-AR was observed in the prostate of diabetic rats (n = 8, p < 0.05). Similarly, there was a 2.23 ± 0.10-fold increase in the α<sub>1A</sub>-AR protein level (n = 8, p < 0.05). Both insulin and phlorizin treatments restored the normal levels of mRNA and protein expression. In conclusion, the gene expression of α<sub>1A</sub>-AR is increased in the prostate of diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia plays a major role in this alteration.
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