The β form of the estrogen receptor is predominantly expressed in the papillary cystic neoplasm of the pancreas

Angélica Morales, Andrés Duarte-Rojo, Arturo Ángeles-Ángeles, Carlos M. Mery, Juan M. Ruíz-Molina, Vicente Díaz-Sánchez, Guillermo Robles-Díaz*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Papillary cystic neoplasm (PCN) of the pancreas is a low-malignancy tumor affecting predominantly young females. Sex steroid hormones have been involved in its development and/or growth. Estrogen receptor (ER) has been scarcely found in this tumor, although there is some evidence suggesting expression of the beta-isoform. Unlike ER, progesterone receptor (PR) expression has been consistently observed. Immunohistochemical analysis of the two isoforms of ER has not been performed in this tumor. Aim: To characterize expression of ER isoforms with an immunohistochemical method. Methodology: Expression of ERalpha, ER-beta, and PR was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using isoform-specific ER and PR antibodies in paraffinembedded tissue blocks from seven cases of PCN of the pancreas. Results: Most patients were young females. ER-alpha and ERbeta were present in two and six tumors, respectively. PR was identified in six tumors. Conclusions: ER-beta expression predominates over the alpha-isoform in PCN of the pancreas. This finding supports the idea that previous negative results on ER expression were a consequence of the use of antibodies with no anti-beta activity. The role of ER-beta in the milieu of factors promoting the development and aggressiveness of PCN needs to be elucidated to address novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)258-263
Number of pages6
JournalPancreas
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2003

Keywords

  • Estrogen receptor
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Pancreatic neoplasms
  • Papillary cystic neoplasm
  • Progesterone receptor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Hepatology

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