[Apparent heterogeneous distribution of progesterone receptors in certain cases of endometrial carcinoma].
The progesterone receptor contents in the cytosol of two of three samples of same tumor was measured in 19 cases of endometrial cancer. The receptor concentration in one sample of each tumor was calculated by Scatchard analysis of specific binding data; in the other, one or two samples of each tumor, the receptor concentration was calculated by using a single point. All tumors did have receptors at least in one of the two or three samples. Ten tumors showed certain consistency in the receptor content in the two or three samples. On the other hand, a striking variability in the receptor content between the two or three samples of each of the remaining tumors was found, ranging from zero to several hundred femtomoles/mg of protein. In seven cases, follow-up was possible during 66 months, and the response to progestagen treatment was independent from the progesterone-receptor content. Our results suggest that the analysis of a single site of a tumor would reveal values that might not be representative of the tumor and, furthermore, it would explain, at least partially, the uncertain response to progestagen therapy that has been frequently described.
Bernal
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A
Hospital Luis Castelazo Ayala, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México, D.F.
Barahona
E
E
Bernal
M A
MA
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism
D011372:Progestins; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone