LH(hCG) receptor in benign and malignant tumors of human ovary

LH(hCG) receptors were identified with [125I]hCG in 38 benign and 26 malignant ovarian tumors of the human ovary. Eighteen per cent of all the benign and 27% of all the malignant tumors were LH(hCG) receptor-positive. Four of 12 benign serous tumors and 3 of 17 benign mucinous tumors displayed definitive binding of [125I]hCG. Two Brenner tumors failed to bind [125I]hCG. Six of 21 malignant epithelial tumors displayed definitive binding of [125I]hCG. Only one out of 4 malignant granulosa cell tumors bound [125I]hCG, while the other sex cord stromal tumors as well as one dysgerminoma failed to bind [125I]hCG. LH(hCG) receptor content in the benign and malignant receptor-positive tumors was low compared with the normal ovarian tissue. The presence of LH(hCG) receptors in certain benign and malignant ovarian tumors may be a sign of the gonadotropic control of these tumors. The possible applications of these findings for the diagnosis and treatment of human ovarian tumors is discussed.