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Estrogens in tissues: uptake from the peripheral circulation or local production
J H Thijssen1, M A Blankenstein, W R Miller
1Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Steroids
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Intratissue estrogen levels, particularly estradiol, vary significantly between organs and even between countries. These variations in breast and uterine tissues are not explained by estrogen receptors or menopausal status.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Intratissue estrogen concentrations are crucial for understanding organ-specific endocrine status.
- Peripheral plasma levels may not accurately reflect local hormonal environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure estrone and estradiol concentrations in normal and pathological breast and uterine tissues.
- To investigate the subcellular distribution of these steroids.
- To explore geographical variations in breast tumor estrogen levels.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of estrone and estradiol in tissue specimens.
- Analysis of subcellular steroid distribution.
- Comparison of tissue samples from different geographical locations.
Main Results:
- Estradiol levels showed greater variation than estrone levels.
- Estradiol concentrations were higher in uterine tissues compared to breast tissues.
- Malignant breast tumors from premenopausal and postmenopausal women had similar estradiol levels.
- Subcellular distribution did not correlate with receptor changes.
- Significant, unexplained variations in intratissue estradiol were observed between different countries.
Conclusions:
- Intratissue estradiol levels exhibit considerable variability, independent of estrogen receptors and menopausal status.
- Geographical location significantly impacts intratissue estradiol levels in breast tumors.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the factors driving these observed variations.