Specific binding sites for insulin in the human myometrium and leiomyomas of the uterus.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether there are increased binding sites for insulin in the leiomyomas of the uterus.


METHODS
Samples of myomas and myometrium were obtained from seven patients with myomas at the time of hysterectomy. Binding studies were performed with [125I] insulin.


RESULTS
The percent total binding of [125I] insulin in the myomal tissues (mean +/- SE 20.7% +/- 2.3%/100 micrograms protein) was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than that in the myometrium (14.7% +/- 1.3%/100 micrograms protein). Scatchard analysis revealed that the increase in binding is because of increase in receptor affinity.


CONCLUSIONS
There is increased binding of insulin in the myomas because of increase in receptor affinity. This could increase the sensitivity of the biological response of the myomal cells to insulin.
Nagamani
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Stuart
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D001665:Binding Sites; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008875:Middle Aged; D009215:Myometrium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011972:Receptor, Insulin / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D007328:Insulin; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D011972:Receptor, Insulin