A comparative study of the estrogen receptor ratio in myometrium and uterine leiomyomas

Abstract

Estrogen receptor (ER) content in myoma and myometrium was determined by radio-receptor assay (RRA), and ER staining was performed by immunocytochemical staining, i.e. the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method, in uterine samples from eight patients with uterine leiomyoma. ER content in myoma tended to be hither than that in myometrium, but the difference was not significant. The distribution pattern of ER staining was thought to be an important criterion. When the data were compared on the basis of the number of cells in the site where the largest number of positive cells aggregated, the number for myoma was significantly higher than that for myometrium (P less than 0.05). These results suggest that myoma contains more ER positive cells to obtain estrogen effects than myometrium.

Etiology and pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas: a review.

“…In the majority of the studies reviewed, the concentrations of both the ERs and PRs were greater in leiomyomata than the myometrium Brandon et al 1993Brandon et al , 1995Buchi and Keller 1983;Eiletz et al 1980;Englund et al 1998;Kawaguchi et al 1991;Lessl et al 1997;Marugo et al 1989;Nisolle et al 1999;Otsuka et al 1989;Pollow et al 1978a;Puukka et al 1976;Rein et al 1990c;Sadan et al 1987;Soules and McCarty 1982;Tamaya et al 1979Tamaya et al , 1985Vij et al 1990;Viville et al 1997;Vollenhoven et al 1994;Wilson et al 1980). In addition, Sadan et al found the ER and PR to be elevated in fibroids during all phases of the menstrual cycle when compared with matched myometria (Sadan et al 1987).…”

Estrogen‐Associated Genes in Uterine Leiomyoma

“…Evidence supporting this includes its development after menorrhea, enlargement and growth during pregnancy, and regression after menopause. Most directly, estrogen receptor alpha (ER‐α) is more highly expressed in the leiomyoma than in the myometrium 5,6. Decrease of ovarian estrogen secretion by gonadotropin release hormone (GnRH) agonist reduces tumor volume 7,8…”

Expression of the mitogen-inducible gene-2 (mig-2) is elevated in human uterine leiomyomas but not in leiomyosarcomas

“…1 Development of leiomyomas during the reproductive age, regression after menopause, and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the tumor cells suggest that growth of uterine leiomyomas depends on ovarian sex steroids. [1][2][3][4][5] Cytogenetic studies have revealed several chromosomal abnormalities; [6][7][8][9][10][11] however, the genetic alterations or molecular mechanisms involved in the cell proliferation of uterine leiomyomas have not been fully elucidated. Recent research has demonstrated that myogenesis is regulated by a group of transcription factors, including MyoD and MyF, belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) group, 12-14 characterized by a motif of 2 ␣-helices separated by an intervening loop.…”