Localization of gonadotropin binding sites in human ovarian neoplasms

The cause of cancer of the ovaries is unclear, but receptors for certain hormones on the surfaces of cancer cells have been implicated. The cell receptors are thought to have a particular affinity for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG), although involvement of this latter hormone is controversial. Tumor specimens from 29 patients with ovarian cancer were evaluated for hormone binding sites. Sites for FSH were found on five tumor samples. Sites for LH were found on two tumor samples. These binding sites were found in the stromal layer of the ovarian tissue. The way these hormone receptor sites respond to gonadotropin hormones needs to be investigated.