We examined androgen modulation of proliferation of clonally derived AXC/SSh rat prostate cancer cells. C-family cells were maintained on medium without addition of androgens. D-family cells were maintained on medium containing 10-7 m 5α-dihydrotestosterone and T-family cells were maintained on medium containing 10-7 m testosterone. Proliferation of all AXC/SSh prostate cancer cell lines during propagation on media containing fetal bovine serum was not altered by changes in media testosterone concentration through the range 10-6 to 10-9 m. Similarly, proliferation of C- or D-family cell lines, during propagation on media containing steroid depleted, charcoal stripped fetal bovine serum, was not altered by changes in media testosterone concentration through the range 10-6 to 10-9 m. By contrast, proliferation of T-family cell lines during propagation on charcoal stripped fetal bovine serum was modulated by androgens; effects were androgen concentration dependent and maximum at 10-8 to 10-7 m. Androgens decreased T5 cell proliferation rate and diminshed achievable saturation density, whereas T1 cell proliferation rate was increased by androgens. In contrast, T6 cell proliferation rate was unaffected by androgens; however, saturation density was increased. Effects were antagonized by the antiandrogen RU 23908, Anandron, establishing androgen specificity of testosterone or 5α-dihydrotestosterone mediated changes in proliferation.

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Supported in part by Grant CA 30116 from the National Cancer Institute, Department of Health and Human Services. R. I. H. is supported in part by National Research Service Award Fellowship 1 F32 CA-07460.

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©1986 American Association for Cancer Research.
1986
Cancer Research, Inc.