On receptors for estrogens (E2) and androgens (DHT) in human endometrial carcinoma and ovarian tumours

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1978;57(3):261-4. doi: 10.3109/00016347809154895.

Abstract

Some human endometrial carcinomas contain receptors for estrogen (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Analysis of 50 primary endometrial carcinomas by agar gel electrophoresis revealed a varying receptor pattern, absence of both receptors, sole presence of E2- or DHT- receptor, or presence of both. Highly differentiated tumours often had receptors of both types (7/18) and poorly differentiated tumours most often lacked them (1/10). Primary tumours with metastases (Stages III-IV) seldom had combined receptors, only in 2 cases out of 9. Growth of the tumour down in the cervical canal (Stage II) implied absence of combined receptors in all of the 13 cases studied. In 8 different ovarian tumours, presence of either E2- or DHT-receptors was found in 6. The findings are discussed in relation to hormonal treatment of the disease.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / analysis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Progesterone / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Androgen* / analysis
  • Receptors, Estrogen* / analysis
  • Receptors, Steroid* / analysis
  • Uterine Neoplasms / analysis*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / drug therapy

Substances

  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • Progesterone