Expression of α1-Adrenoceptor Subtype mRNA as a Predictor of the Efficacy of Subtype Selective α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonists in the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Purpose: We examined the correlation between the expression of α1-adrenoceptor subtype mRNA in the prostate and the clinical efficacy of subtype selective α1-adrenoceptor antagonists. We discuss the possibility of individualizing drug therapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Materials and Methods: A total of 33 patients randomized to the tamsulosin group and 28 randomized to the naftopidil group were enrolled in this study. Each group of patients was administered 0.2 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride or 50 mg naftopidil daily for 12 weeks. Four prostate needle biopsy specimens were obtained from the transition zone to examine the expression of α-adrenoceptor subtypes. Specimens were stored at –80C until used for TaqMan® quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, which was performed after 12 weeks of treatment.Results: Based on the results of quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction the tamsulosin and naftopidil groups were grouped into α1a-adrenoceptor dominan...