[Biochemical paths for regulating hormone-sensitive cells]

The main causes of alterations in cell sensitivity to steroid hormones were studied during malignant growth and upon ageing. In many cases studied the decreased sensitivity of cells to steroids was reversible and unrelated to changes in the receptor system of the cell. Based on the data obtained, a hypothesis was proposed concerning the multifunctional regulation of cell sensitivity to hormones. Within the framework of this hypothesis the sensitivity of cells to hormones is regulated by both changes in the receptor system responsible for hormonal signal transmission and by changes in the activity of hormone-dependent intracellular enzymatic systems. The role of target cell microenvironment in the formation of the ultimate cell response to hormonal stimuli is discussed.