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

Carlson, Harold E; Kane, Philip; Lei, Z M; Li, X; Rao, C V · J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2004

basic_science · Level V

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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.

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