GROWTH FACTORS: ROLES IN ANDROLOGY

• Published in: Archives of andrology Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Tanj, N., Aoki, K., Yokoyama, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Informa UK Ltd 2001; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Androgens - physiology; Andrology Egf Growth Factor Hgf Semen Tgf; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Epidermal Growth Factor - physiology; Epithelium - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genitalia, Male - growth & development; Growth Substances - physiology; Hormone metabolism and regulation; Humans; Male; Mammalian male genital system; Mesoderm - physiology; Prostate - growth & development; Somatomedins - physiology; Transforming Growth Factor alpha - physiology; Transforming Growth Factor beta - physiology; Vertebrates: reproduction; Insulin like growth factor; Epidermal growth factor; Androgen; Accessory sex organ; Transforming growth factor; Development; Review; Sex steroid hormone
• ISSN: 0955-3002; 0148-5016; 1362-3095; 1521-0375
• DOI: 10.1080/01485010152103946

Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions are extremely important during growth and development and in the functional cytodifferentiation of male sex accessory organs. Interactions between mesenchyme and epithelium occur mainly through a paracrine action that is mediated by various growth factors. The role of androgens is very important for these organs and the androgenic effect is mediated by paracrine interactions. A number of growth factors have been studied in prostate and seminal vesicles from mice, rats, and humans because they are potent mediators of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and death. This review provides an overview of current knowledge about growth factors involved in the development of male sex accessory organs, with particular emphasis on the prostate.