Structural and Molecular characterization of the seminal vesicle of the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mice prostate and correlation with the glandular microenvironment of the aging mice (FVB)

Abstract

The seminal vesicle is an accessory sex organ that has a fundamental importance in the male reproductive system, showing androge-dependent function and activity. It is known that senescence leads to seminal vesicle changes, due to the hormone imbalance. Transgenic animal models have been utilized to study different diseases, including cancer. The transgenic adenocarcinoma mice prostate (TRAMP) has been utilized as one of these models, and the incidence and the lesion charcteristics in the seminal vesicle of these animals are still not established. Thus, the aim of the study herewith is to identify the structural, morphometrical, and molecular features of the seminal vesicle of the FVB mice and TRAMP in different periods of life, verifying possible morphological glandular changes and the association of the structural features of this organ in both mouse lineages. Also, the androgen, estrogen, IGF-1, and MMP-9 receptor reactivities will be evaluated in both Tramp and FVB mice. The animals will be divided into groups: Control group (06- 12 week old mice/FVB); Senile group (06- 48 week old mice/FVB); Tramp 1 group (06- 12 week old mice/Tramp) and Tramp 2 group (06- 22 week old mice/Tramp) . At the end of the experimental period in each one of the groups, the mice will be sacrified and samples of the seminal vesicle will be collected and submitted to morphological and immunohistochemical analyses. (AU)