Transforming growth factor‐beta 2 heterozygous mutant mice exhibit Cowper's gland hyperplasia and cystic dilations of the gland ducts (Cowper's syringoceles)

Abstract

Analyses of mutant mice with a deletion for the transforming growth factor beta 2 (Tgfβ2) gene revealed cysts in the perineal /scrotal region of male mice. We present evidence from in situ, light and electron microscopy that the cysts observed in Tgfβ2 +/-heterozygous mice males derive from Cowper's gland tissue. The Cowper's glands of Tgfβ2 +/-heterozygous mutant mice display all steps of glandular hyperplasia and cystic dilation. TGF-β isoforms and TGF-β receptor (TβR-II) were localized immunocytochemically in sections of Cowper's glands. TGF-β2 and TGF-β3were located predominantly in myoepithelial cells of the Cowper's gland whereas the TβRII was found in the plasma membrane of the acinar cells. TUNEL-assays revealed that apoptotic cell death is significantly reduced inCowper's glands of Tgfβ2 +/-heterozygous mutant mice. The fact that Tgfβ2 +/-heterozygous mutant mice exhibit hyperplasia of Cowper's gland epithelium and Cowper's gland cysts suggests a disturbance of epithelial-stromal interaction most likely due to reduced TGF-β2 level, accompanied by a significant decrease in apoptosis.

Anterior urethral valves and diverticula in children: a result of ruptured Cowper's duct cyst?

“…These accessory sexual organs secrete a clear mucous substance during ejaculation that acts as a vehicle for spermatozoa and as a lubricant [5,14,15]. A recent description of Cowper's gland hyperplasia and cystic dilation of the gland ducts in TGF-b 2 heterozygous mutant mice implies a disturbance of stromal-epithelial interactions that supports a molecular mechanism for this disorder [16].…”

A neglected gland: a review of Cowper's gland

“…The cause of the dilation is unknown but, study of mice missing transforming growth factor‐beta 2(TGF‐ β 2) show hyperplasia and cystic dilation of the Cowper's gland cells mimicking syringocele. Mice with low levels of TGF‐ β 2 exhibit hyperplasia of Cowper's gland epithelium and Cowper's gland cysts suggests a disturbance of epithelial–stromal interaction most likely because of a reduced TGF‐ β 2 level, accompanied by a significant decrease in apoptosis (Dunker & Aumuller, 2002).…”

Proliferative and Nonproliferative Lesions of the Rat and Mouse Male Reproductive System

“…In rats, the pear-shaped, tubuloaveolar gland has acini, lined by a single layer of basophilic pyramidal cells with closely packed secretory granules (Boorman, Elwell, and Mitsumori 1990) that may have a filamentous or reticular texture (Dünker and Aumüller 2002). The secretion stains palely basophilic and is made up of acidic and neutral mucosubstances.…”

“…The secretion stains palely basophilic and is made up of acidic and neutral mucosubstances. In mice, this gland is described as having a highly arborized arrangement of acini lined by tall columnar epithelium that fills the acinar lumen (Dünker and Aumüller 2002).…”