Steroid receptors in exocrine glands: The pancreas and prostate

Abstract The exocrine pancreas and prostate, though embryologically related, are subject to different control mechanisms, with only the latter gland being profoundly influenced by testicular and/or hypophyseal secretions. However, oestrogen and androgen receptors have been demonstrated in the pancreatic acinar cells (human, rat, guinea pig and baboon), with a high affinity, low capacity receptor for oestradiol (E 2 ) being overshadowed quantitatively by a high capacity oestrogen-binding protein (EBP) primarily associated with the microsomal fraction. Immunologie and chemico-physical studies have pointed to the cellular specificity of the EBP. In the prostate, androgen and oestrogen receptors and their specificity and uniqueness have been established in a number of species (human, baboon, rat). Of particular importance is the relation of plasma TeBG (sex-hormone binding globulin) to these receptors, because of the high affinity of TeBG for the steroids. Studies and interpretations related to these parameters are presented.