Interaction of ovarian hormones with normal endometrium and endometrial adenocarcinoma

E. Gurpide, C. F. Holinka, H. Fleming, O. Fridman, L. Deligdisch, G. Deppe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Steroid receptors (tissue specific proteins which bind with high affinity, low capacity and remarkable selectivity to compounds having similar biologic action) have provided the basis for developing tests to predict responsiveness of patients with breast cancer to surgical procedures (eg, ovariectomy, adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy) aiming to eliminate estrogens from circulation. Clinical studies have confirmed the claim that breast tumors without estrogen receptors do not benefit from these major procedures. Besides cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors, 2 types of high affinity, low capacity binders of E2 (estradiol) had been identified, this time in rat uterus cytosol, by resolving saturation curves with H 3 -E2 into 2 components. Heterogeneity in the cytosol receptors for E2 in the rat uterus was found. The specificity of receptors towards different classes of active sterioids has also been considered. A new finding is that some steroids, when their concentrations are sufficiently high, bind receptors that are primarily involved in the action of another group of hormones. The metabolism of E2 in the target cell is an important consideration in analyzing physiologic action of estrogens. Intracellular metabolism of the hormone is an important determinant of its action as is the amount of receptor found in the cell. The relation of estrogens in the development of endometrial cancer has been reported. Women exposed to prolonged estogen stimulation in the absence of progesterone are at higher risk to develop endometrial adenomatous hyperplasia, a precursor of adenocarcinoma.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)394-397
Number of pages4
JournalMount Sinai Journal of Medicine
Volume47
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1980

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Interaction of ovarian hormones with normal endometrium and endometrial adenocarcinoma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this