The lability of estrogen receptor: correlation of estrogen binding and immunoreactivity.

We compared the Abbott enzyme immunoassay method for estrogen receptor with a standard dextran-coated charcoal method, and studied the effects of treatments causing denaturation. Estrogen receptor values were slightly higher by the Abbott method, but the methods agreed with regard to receptors being present or absent in 94-98% of 50 cases. Heat lability of immunoreactivity by the Abbott enzyme immunoassay is comparable to the lability of estrogen binding by the estrogen receptor. Estrogen and molybdate substantially stabilized estrogen receptor during the assay, but improper handling of tissue before the assay may cause similar, substantial decreases in estrogen receptor by either method. The Abbott method is easier to use than the dextrancoated charcoal method, requires less tissue, and measures receptor with or without endogenously bound estrogen, but reagent cost is high.