Estradiol and progestin receptors, 17-beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase and histopathologic grade in endometrial carcinoma.

The possible correlation between steroid receptor systems, 17-beta-HSD and histopathologic examinations were investigated. The well-differentiated tumors showed higher steroid receptor and 17-beta-HSD values than undifferentiated carcinomas. The steroid receptors did not present a statistically significant correlation with 17-beta-HSD. Nevertheless, some neoplastic endometria (29%) show higher values of progestin receptors and 17-beta-HSD, with a progestin:estrogen receptor ratio greater than one.