Nonhuman primates as models for studies of prostate specific antigen and prostatic diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Because prostate specific antigen (PSA) is released at increased levels into the blood early in the development of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, it is widely used as a marker for these diseases. However, PSA has clinical limitations as a screen for prostatic diseases due to its low sensitivity and specificity. There is a strong need to better understand the biology of PSA and factors affecting its serum levels.

Methods

We evaluated cynomolgus macaques, rhesus macaques, baboons, and marmosets for their suitability as models for the study of PSA biology and prostatic diseases.

Results

Prostates of several nonhuman primates are anatomically similar to the human counterpart. Anti-human PSA antibody detected PSA antigens in

SUBMITTER: Mubiru JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2559969 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature