RNA, PROTEIN AND DNA SYNTHESIS STIMULATED BY TESTOSTERONE, INSULIN AND PROLACTIN IN THE RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE CULTURED IN CHEMICALLY DEFINED MEDIUM

Abstract

ABSTRACT In an organ type tissue culture of the rat ventral prostate in a chemically defined medium insulin (0.08 IU/ml) stimulated the synthesis of RNA within 6–12 h, the synthesis of protein within 6–12 h and the synthesis of DNA within 2–4 days. Testosterone (10−8 m) stimulated these synthetic processes somewhat more slowly: the synthesis of RNA within 12–24 h, protein within 12–24 h and DNA at 4 days. Rather high concentrations of insulin were needed while testosterone was effective at a physiological concentration. Prolactin (1000 ng/ml) stimulated the synthesis of RNA and protein, but not DNA, when added together with either testosterone or insulin, but was completely ineffective when added alone. The response times resembled those of insulin. The lower concentrations of prolactin were ineffective. Growth hormone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone did not stimulate the synthesis of RNA, protein or DNA even when added with testosterone. The results confirm the findings of the numerous in vivo experiments that the hypophyseal hormone prolactin has a direct effect on the ventral prostate.