Relationship between expression of somatostatin receptors subtype 2 mRNA and estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the expression of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) mRNA, and investigate the relationship between the expression of SSTR2 mRNA and the expressions of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ERs and PRs) in benign and malignant breast tissues.


METHODS
Samples from a total of 23 breast carcinomas, 16 mammary hyperplasias, and 9 mammary fibroadenomas were analyzed. SSTR2 mRNA expression was examined by in situ hybridization using multiphase oligoprobes. ER and PR expressions were detected by immunohistochemical staining. A computerized image analysis system was utilized to estimate the relative content of SSTR2 mRNA.


RESULTS
The rate of expression (87.0%) and relative content (0.47) of SSTR2 mRNA in breast cancer were higher than those in benign breast tissue (64%, 0.26) (P < 0.05). SSTR2 mRNA expression was closely correlated with ER and PR expressions in breast cancer (P < 0.05). SSTR2 mRNA was also positively correlated with ER expression in benign breast tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
SSTR2 mRNA expression is higher or in benign breast tissues than in malignant ones. There is a significant positive correlation between SSTR2 mRNA and ER and PR expressions. Combined antiestrogen and somatostatin analogue in treatment of ER-positive breast cancers should be further investigated.
Zeng
Xizhi
X
Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing University of Medical Sciences, Chongqing 400016, China.
Yao
Zhenxiang
Z
D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*; D017481:Receptors, Somatostatin / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D017481:Receptors, Somatostatin; C093733:somatostatin receptor 2