[The importance of estrogen receptors in the pharmacotherapy of mammary carcinoma (author's transl)].

The physiological effect of estrogens on the estrogen-dependent target organs is mediated by estrogen receptors which are present in the cytoplasm of estrogen-sensitive cells. By determining the estrogen receptors in mammary carcinoma tissue, information may be obtained on the susceptibility of the tumor concerned to hormones. As a novel pharmacological principle, the anti-estrogens are able to blockade the hormonal effect of endogenous estrogens on the tissue of the mammary carcinoma. Possible relationships between prolactin and mammary carcinoma become apparent. From the pharmacologist's point of view, these questions are of particular importance in relation to the possibility of predisposition to mammary carcinoma through treatment with reserpine, which is at present under discussion.