Investigative Urology

Abstract

Objective: To analyse, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the organization of stromal fibrous components in the transitional zone (TZ) from normal human prostates; because of its association with disease, greater emphasis was placed upon the periacinar region of the stroma. Materials and Methods: TZ specimens were obtained from normal prostates during autopsy of six men, aged 18-30 years, who had died from accidents. Tissue was fixed for SEM in a modified Karnovsky solution for 48 h at 4 degrees C, and to visualize the three-dimensional organization of the stroma, samples were treated to remove cells. Results: In acellular preparations, narrow fibrous septa formed a dense and supportive scaffold for ducts and acini, and a smooth and homogeneous fibrous sheet, herein identified as pars fibroreticularis, lined the acinar