TISSUE ANDROGEN CONCENTRATIONS IN GOLDEN HAMSTERS WITH BENIGN PROSTATIC TUMOURS

Abstract

Using gas chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry with selected ion detection, the concentrations of testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, 5α-androstane-3β,17α-diol and 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol were measured in the dorsal and ventral prostates of two strains of golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) at various ages from 60 to 250 days. The tissue concentrations from a control strain were compared with those of the BIO 87·2 strain of hamster, the latter developing benign hyperplasia of the prostate between 90 and 120 days of age. Marked increases in the concentration of total 5α-androstanediols in both prostatic lobes of the BIO 87·2 strain were detected, with the highest level of over 345 nmol/g protein being found at 200 days of age. In comparison, the control strain showed a less pronounced increase in concentration at 150 days. Increases in total 5α-androstanediols were mainly associated with increases in the concentration of 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol. Concentrations of testosterone in prostatic tissue were also found to increase in the BIO 87·2 animals with peak values being seen at 200 days. Increases in concentration of androsterone were observed by 150 days and these levels were maintained up to 250 days of age. Control animals showed no comparable increases in testosterone and androsterone during the time-course studied. Surprisingly, no significant variation in 5α-dihydrotestosterone concentration was detected in either strain from 60 to 250 days although levels were slightly but consistently higher in the BIO 87·2 strain. There were no significant fluctuations in any of the androgens assayed either before or during tumour development. The increases in 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, testosterone and androsterone were detected only after tumours had become established.