Divergent Effects of Interferons on the Growth of Human Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Cells in Primary Culture

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Abstract
Epithelial cells from human benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues were grown in primary cultures for up to 21 days and the effects of interferons on the growth of the cells were investigated. Interferon-.alpha. (Wellferon) showed growth inhibition both in the presence and in the absence of 3 .times. 10-10M testosterone propionate (TP) whereas interferon-.gamma. stimulated growth in a dose dependent manner under similar conditions. Interferon-.beta. had little effect on growth at the dose levels used in the study. The growth inhibition by interferon-.alpha. can be induced after stimulation of growth is achieved either with TP or with interferon-.gamma.. Implications of these findings for clinical use of these lymphokines is discussed.