Development‐related Expression of KGF and FGF‐10 mRNA in the Canine Prostate Gland

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF‐10) are stromal‐derived growth factors that interact with their epithelial FGFR2 receptors to mediate stromal‐‐epithelial cell interaction within the prostate gland. This study was conducted to compare the development‐related mRNA expression of KGF, FGF‐10 and their receptor FGFR2 in immature and mature canine prostate glands. In addition, their expression levels were correlated with the differentiation of stromal cells using vimentin as a mesenchymal cell marker. Quantitative mRNA expression was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the results were expressed as relative mRNA expression of the target gene, which was normalized to the GAPDH reference gene. mRNA analysis revealed a differential expression of KGF, FGF‐10 and FGFR2 receptor by the prostate glands of immature and mature dogs. The results showed a 7.3‐ and 9‐fold decrease in mRNA expression of KGF and FGF‐10 by mature and immature prostate glands respectively. However, there was no significant change in FGFR2 receptor mRNA expression by mature or immature prostate glands. This downregulation of KGF and FGF‐10 expression was associated with a 15‐fold decrease in vimentin expression. These results indicate that KGF and FGF‐10 expression varied according to the differentiation status of stromal cells and might reflect differential developmental requirements of immature and mature canine prostate glands.