Reproductive System, Male

Prostate, Acinus - Cyst(s), Mucinous

Narrative
Comment:
Although mucinous cysts are a type of prostate duct dilation, the condition has recently been seen in studies and warrants a separate diagnosis. Mucinous cysts (Figure 1 and Figure 2) have been documented in a small number of treated F344 rats in emodin and anthraquinone chronic studies. Goblet cells are present in the lining epithelium of the mucinous cysts (Figure 2, arrows).
Recommendations:
Prostatic mucinous cysts represent a distinct entity that presently requires a separate diagnosis to distinguish it from acinar dilation. Their occurrence should be graded, and bilateral involvement should be documented if present, with severity based on the more severely affected lobe. When possible, the affected prostate lobe should be identified.
References:

Boorman GA, Elwell MR, Mitsumori K. 1990. Male accessory sex glands, penis, and scrotum. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 419-428.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/9002563

Bosland MC. 1992. Lesions in the male accessory glands and penis. In: Pathobiology of the Aging Rat, Vol 1 (Mohr U, Dungworth DL, Capen CC, eds). ILSI Press, Washington, DC, 443-467.

Abstract: http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008994685

Gordon LR, Majka JA, Boorman GA. 1996. Spontaneous nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions and experimentally induced neoplasms of the testes and accessory sex glands. In: Pathobiology of the Aging Mouse, Vol 1 (Mohr U, Dungworth DL, Capen CC, Carlton WW, Sundberg JP, Ward JM, eds). ILSI Press, Washington, DC, 421-441.

Abstract: http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008994685

Greaves P. 2007. Male genital tract. In: Histopathology of Preclinical Toxicity Studies: Interpretation and Relevance in Drug Safety Evaluation. 3rd ed. Academic Press, San Diego, 661-716.

Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780444527714
  • Image of acinar mucinous cyst in the prostate from a male F344/N rat in a chronic study

    Prostate, Acinus - Cyst, Mucinous. Mucinous cyst in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.

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<p>Prostate, Acinus - Cyst, Mucinous. Mucinous cyst in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.</p>

Prostate, Acinus - Cyst, Mucinous. Mucinous cyst in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.
<p>Prostate, Acinus - Cyst, Mucinous. Higher magnification of Figure 1. Mucinous cyst in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study. Goblet cells are present in the lining epithelium of the mucinous cysts (arrows).</p>

Prostate, Acinus - Cyst, Mucinous. Higher magnification of Figure 1. Mucinous cyst in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study. Goblet cells are present in the lining epithelium of the mucinous cysts (arrows).

Authors:

Dianne M. Creasy, PhD, Dip RCPath, FRCPath
Dianne Creasy Consulting LLC
Pipersville, PA

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Dipak K. Giri, DVM, PHD, DACVP
Toxicologic Pathologist
Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC
 

Reviewers:

Mark F. Cesta, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Staff Scientist, NTP Pathologist
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC
 

David E. Malarkey DVM, PhD, DACVP, FIATP
Head, National Toxicology Program Pathology Group
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC