Steroid receptor levels and histology of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Steroid receptors in endometriosis and adenomyosis were investigated to clarify their clinical significance. The receptor levels were determined by Scatchard plot analysis (4 degrees C, by dextran-coated charcoal). In the cytosols of both tissues, the 17 beta-estradiol-estrogen receptor (ER) complex demonstrated a dissociation constant (Kd) of 4.5 x 10(-10) M; the Kd of the progesterone-progesterone receptor (PR) complex was 1.5 x 10(-9) M; and the Kd of the dihydrotestosterone-androgen receptor (AR) complex was 4.0 x 10(-10) M. Seven cases of ovarian endometriosis were studied. The ER and PR levels in endometriosis seemed to be lower than those in the corresponding normal endometrium. AR was also present. There was a suggestion that most endometriosis is least responsive to progestogens. Ten cases of adenomyosis were studied. Histologic dating revealed a delay in the most aberrant endometrial tissue in adenomyosis, as compared with dating of corresponding normal endometrial tissue. ER and AR were detected in all cases. PR was not detected in some cases and, when detected, the content seemed to be lower, possibly suggesting the delayed dating.