Purpose: The molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of the alpha 1
blocker, doxazosin, on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are poorly understood. We
evaluated the effect of doxazosin on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the prostatic
glandular epithelium and stroma of patients with BPH. Materials and Methods: We examined
proliferative and apoptotic activities in prostate specimens of 22 men a mean of 65 years old
with BPH before and after doxazosin treatment within the normal therapeutic range …

The rationale behind the use of alpha adrenergic blockade for treatment of symptomatic
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) stems from the fact that periurethral smooth muscle tone
is related to the degree of sympathetic stimulation. However, with the smooth muscle
component of the prostate being variable and clinical response unpredictable the authors
present evidence that sympathetic blockade may have additional effects on the dynamics of
prostate cellular growth. Using immunohistochemical techniques, the authors measured …