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

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.