Expression and subcellular localization of CRH and its receptors in human endometrial cancer

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2009 Jun 16;305(1-2):6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.02.013. Epub 2009 Mar 4.

Abstract

CRH and its receptors are expressed in human normal endometrial cells, where they are associated to anti-proliferative progesterone-like activity. We aimed to investigate CRH, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2 expression and intracellular localization in human endometrial cancers and their relationships with tumor biological parameters. Surgical specimens were obtained from 51 untreated endometrial cancer patients and immunohistochemistry for CRH, CRH receptors, ER, PR and Ki-67 was performed. We found a diffuse cytoplasmic staining in 100%, 92 % and 60.7 % of tumor specimens for CRH, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2, respectively. At variance with tumor tissues, the surrounding normal endometrial glands exhibit a typical paranuclear/apical pattern for CRH and stained for CRH-R2 at the nuclear level, whereas CRH-R1 staining was similar to that observed in tumor area. Positive correlations were found between CRH-R1 and PR expression, as well as between CRH-R2 cytoplasmic pattern and more advanced FIGO stage disease, respectively.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • CRF Receptor, Type 1
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / analysis
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ligands
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / analysis
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*

Substances

  • CRF receptor type 2
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • CRF Receptor, Type 1
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone