Hormone relationships in breast cancer: the role of receptor-binding proteins.

The introduction of receptor protein studies as markers for hormone dependence of breast carcinomas has had a profound effect on the management of advanced disease. All breast carcinomas, regardless of stage, should have receptor binding protein studies for estrogen and progesterone by the sucrose gradient method or by the dextran-coated charcoal method as a good alternative. A simpler test is needed.

Histochemistry of steroid receptors in breast cancer: an overview.

Immunofluorescence and a new histochemical technique were employed to assay 226 breast cancer specimens for estrogen receptor. Results showed an overall correlation of 91 percent when compared to those of biochemical assays. The histochemical technique is rapid, easy to perform and reveals the same parameters as does immunofluorescence without the need for antiserum.

A histochemical technique for evaluation of progesterone receptors in breast cancer.

A histochemical method for the detection and localization of progesterone receptors in human breast cancer has been developed employing a fluorescein labeled conjugate of bovine serum albumin linked to a progestin as the binding hormone. Considerable tumor cell receptor heterogeneity was apparent and nuclear binding was frequently noted. The results of the new assay correlated with those obtained by dextran-coated charcoal assay in 91 per cent of specimens.

Relationships between poloxamer structure and the solubilization of some para-substituted acetanilides.

Saturation solubilities of several para-substituted acetanilides have been measured at 37 degrees C in aqueous solutions of structurally related polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers-poloxamers L62, L63, L64, P65 and F68. These poloxamers differ only in the amount of ethylene oxide in the hydrophil. Solubilities increased with increasing poloxamer concentration.

Light regulation of specific mRNA species in Lemna gibba L. G-3.

Polyadenylated RNA was isolated from Lemna gibba L. G-3 and translated in a cell-free system from wheat germ. When plants were placed into complete darkness for 4 days, then returned to light for 18 hr, increased amounts of polyadenylated mRNA for at least two polypeptides were detected by in vitro translation over those amounts present in the dark.

Immunofluorescent detection of estrogen receptors in breast cancer. Comparison with dextran-coated charcoal and sucrose gradient assays.

Biopsy specimens from 106 women with primary operable, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer were analyzed in a double blind study designed to compare the results of a new fluorescent antibody method for detection of estrogen receptors with estrogen receptors measured biochemically with dextran-coated charcoal and sucrose gradient assay techniques. Assay results correlated in 89.4% of tumors analyzed, and molecular receptor forms (8S and 4S) were accurately predicted in 94.

Changes in carbohydrate tolerance during long-term oral contraception.

An intravenous glucose tolerance test (GTT) was given to 116 women--82 nondiabetic subjects (NDS) and 34 diabetes suspects--before they received Ovulen for oral contraception. Subjects were followed for 1 to 4 years during Ovulen therapy. Twenty women using an intrauterine device showed no changes in glucose tolerance.

Isolation and translation of plant messenger RNA.

A fraction of the RNA species isolated from Lemna gibba G-3 consists of molecules with attached sequences of polyadenylic acid. This polyadenylic acid-containing fraction, separated from total RNA by adsorption onto oligothymidylic acid-cellulose, was shown to be mRNA by its ability to serve as template in a cell-free translation system derived from wheat germ. The products of translation were characterized by electrophoresis.