Expression of corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 (CRFR2) in the human prostate. A new potential target for medical therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background. Expression of urocortin (Ucn), a 40-amino-acid neuropeptide, was demonstrated in the prostatic tissue of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Ucn showed a significant role in the regulation of local inflammation, proliferation, and relaxation of smooth muscle tone in different organs through activation of corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 (CRFR2). However, CRFR2 expression in human benign prostatic tissue remains unknown. Our study therefore aimed to investigate CRFR2 expression in prostatic tissue. Methods. CRFR2 expression was evaluated in tissue samples of human prostate (n=8) by means of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohisto-chemistry. Results. mRNA of CRFR2 was abundantly present in RT-PCR of prostate lysates. Immunohistochemistry revealed CRFR2 expression in the cytoplasm of basal and luminal epithelial cells as well as in cystic glands. Smooth muscle components of the stroma and vascular endothelial cells also showed extensive staining for CRFR2. Conclusions. Our study showed for the first time that human prostatic tissue expresses CRFR2. Pharmacological CRFR2 modulation might be a potential medical treatment for clinical BPH.