title: Estriol in human breast cyst fluid.
abstract: Although cystic lesions of the breast are not precancerous per se, statistical studies have indicated that this condition predisposes a 2- to 4-fold greater risk for breast cancer. Seeking a hormonal etiology to this correlation, investigators have analyzed breast cyst fluid ( BCF ) for steroids and have compared the levels to those in the blood. The 17-ketosteroids-androsterone, dehydroisoandrosterone and their sulfates are elevated in BCF . The same is true for estrone sulfate and estradiol-3-sulfate. We have found the most dramatic differences with estriol-3-sulfate (E3-3S), the concentration of which ranged from 187-6134 pg/ml in over 40 specimens analyzed, whereas in 12 serum specimens from normal women, E3-3S was barely detectable. The origin of E3-3S is not known. [3H]E3-3S is not concentrated in BCF following its injection into an arm vein. The blood half-life of [3H]E3-3S is much lower than that of estrone sulfate. Samples of breast nipple aspirates from normal women were also analyzed for E3-3S. None could be detected. The best explanation of the data accumulated thus far is that E3-3S is synthesized at the epithelial lining of the cyst and released into the BCF , from which its efflux is inefficient.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004964:Estriol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000032:analysis*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: C032095:estriol glucuronide; C027973:estriol 3-sulfate 16-glucuronide; C027974:estriol 3-sulfate; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D004964:Estriol