Presence of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptors in male breast tissues

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Aug;89(8):4119-23. doi: 10.1210/jc.2003-031882.

Abstract

Receptors for LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been found in a variety of nongonadal tissues including the female breast. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated the presence of LH/hCG receptor mRNA and protein in normal male breast tissue obtained at autopsy (n = 4) and archival samples of benign gynecomastia (n = 14) and male breast carcinoma (n = 5). Although the function of these receptors remains to be determined, the findings suggest the possibility that LH and hCG may play a role in the pathogenesis of male breast disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms, Male / metabolism*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Gynecomastia / metabolism*
  • Gynecomastia / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, LH / genetics
  • Receptors, LH / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, LH