The hormonal regulation of the prostate - Influence of the natriuretic peptides

This thesis investigated the cGMP signalling pathway via CNP/GC-B as a new therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Expression analyses showed that in prostatic smooth muscle cells, CNP/GC-B components are higher expressed than others, such as GC-A or sGC. Furthermore, CNP treatment delayed the growth of HPrSMCs. Ex vivo experiments with a rat model demonstrated that CNP and its analogue VNP led to significant relaxation of the prostate glands. As both characteristics of BPH (increased proliferation and muscle tone) can be addressed by the CNP/GC-B pathway, it presents another option for the treatment of BPH.