The distribution of sensory fibers immunoreactive for the TRPV1 (capsaicin) receptor in the human prostate.

Abstract

To determine the distribution of sensory fibers immunoreactive to the pain receptor TRPV1 in the human prostate. Eight prostates were harvested from cadaver transplant donors and immediately immersion fixed. Longitudinal and transverse 20 microm sections were cut on a cryostat and immunoreacted with two anti-human TPRV1 antibodies. TRPV1-immunoreactive nerve fibers were distributed throughout the prostatic urethral mucosa, verumontanum, ejaculatory ducts and periurethral prostatic acini. In the urethral mucosa, TRPV1-immunoreactive fibers penetrated the epithelial layer up to its surface. In the transitional and peripheral zones of the gland no TRPV1-immunoreactive nerve fibers were detected. The existence of a rich TRPV1 sensory innervation in the human prostate may open new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of pain in patients with chronic prostatitis (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome).