Localization of gonadotropin binding sites in human ovarian neoplasms

The bindin!~ of human luteinizing hormone and human follicle-stimulating hormone to ovarian tumor biopsy specimens from 29 patients was analyzed. The binding sites for human luteinizing hormone were demonstrated in one tumor of epithelial origin (mucinous cystadenoma) and in one of sex cord-stromal origin (theca cell tumor). The binding sites for human follicle-stimulating hormone were found in three tumors of Elpithelial origin (serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystadenoma) and In two of sex cord-stromal origin (theca cell tumor and theca-granulosa cell tumor). The surface-binding autoradiographic study revealed that the binding sites for gonadotropins were localized in the stromal tissue. The, results suggest that gonadotropic hormones may playa role in the growth and differentiation of a certain type of human ovarian neoplasms. (AM J OaSTET GVNECOL 1989;161 :905-10.)