3H-estradiol and 3H-R5020 binding in cytosols of normal and neoplastic human ovarian tissue.

High-affinity cytoplasmic estrogen and progesterone receptors in normal and abnormal ovarian tissues were studied. Estradiol receptor was detectable in 65% and progesterone receptor in 36% of the malignant tumors; 39% of all malignant ovarian tissues were estradiol- as well as progesterone-receptor-positive. Tumors were said to be receptor-positive when the receptors bound greater than 5 fM steroid/mg cytosol protein. No correlations were found between receptor status and histopathological diagnosis. In normal ovarian tissues collected at various phases of the menstrual cycle no changes in [3H]-estradiol and [3H]-R5020 binding could be detected. Analysis of the receptor concentration for both steroid hormones with regard to the menopausal status demonstrated highest levels in postmenopausal women. No significant difference could be found when two groups of patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma associated with the cytosol estrogen receptor status were compared in terms of two different therapeutic schemes (cytosolic chemotherapy with and without tamoxifen).