Electrophysiological recordings from the rat prostate gland in vitro: identified single-cell and transepithelial (lumen) potentials.

Objective: To develop a preparation for the in vitro maintenance of the rat prostate gland and thus allow intracellular and transepithelial voltage measurements.

Materials And Methods: Ventral prostate glands from male rats were dissected free of connective tissue, separated into smaller lobes and maintained in vitro at 30 degrees C. Voltages were recorded with sharp micropipettes in identified cellular and luminal compartments, differentiated by several electrophysiological and histological parameters, including intracellular staining.

Results: Intracellular epithelial membrane potentials (median -40 mV) and transepithelial or luminal potentials (mean -4.2 mV) were recorded successfully. Luminal epithelial cells were dye-coupled. Prostate tissue could be maintained in vitro with no apparent electrophysiological or structural deterioration for up to approximately 7 h.

Conclusion: Rat prostate tissue can be successfully maintained in vitro and electrophysiological recordings made from identified cellular compartments.