What is the Origin of Prostatic Stroma?

The term combines "prostatic," referring to the gland, and "stroma," derived from the Greek word for "bedding" or "mattress," denoting the supporting matrix of an organ. For decades, the stroma was considered merely structural, but modern endocrinology recognizes it as a highly active, hormone-responsive regulatory center. Its study is key to understanding men's urological health.

What is the Mechanism of Prostatic Stroma?

The prostatic stroma acts as the primary site for the conversion of circulating testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This locally produced DHT then acts on both stromal and epithelial cells, stimulating the release of growth factors and cytokines. This intricate paracrine signaling loop drives the proliferation and differential growth of both tissue types, which underlies the mechanism of prostatic enlargement.

Prostatic Stroma

Meaning

The Prostatic Stroma is the supportive, non-glandular connective tissue that forms the framework of the prostate gland, consisting primarily of smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, collagen, and elastic fibers. This stromal compartment surrounds the glandular epithelium and is a crucial site for hormone metabolism and paracrine signaling. The reciprocal interaction between the stroma and the epithelium is central to the normal development and pathological enlargement of the prostate, such as in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).