Progesterone Is Essential for Maintenance and Growth of Uterine Leiomyoma

• DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-1225
• Publication Date: 2010-04-08T01:58:12Z
• Authors: Hiroshi Ishikawa; Kazutomo Ishi; Vanida Ann Serna; Rafael Kakazu; Serdar E. Bulun; Takeshi Kurita
• Keywords: Progesterone receptor

Uterine leiomyomata (ULs) represent the most common tumor in women and can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, large pelvic masses, recurrent pregnancy loss. Although dependency of UL growth on ovarian steroids is well established, relative contributions 17β-estradiol progesterone are yet to be clarified. Conventionally, estradiol has been considered primary stimulus for growth, studies with cell culture animal models support this concept. In contrast, no research model clearly demonstrated a requirement despite accumulating clinical evidence essential role tumor. To elucidate functions UL, we established xenograft reflecting characteristics these tumors by grafting human tissue beneath renal capsule immunodeficient mice. Leiomyoma xenografts increased size response plus through proliferation volume increase cellular extracellular components. The induced was blocked antiprogestin RU486. Furthermore, decreased significantly after withdrawal. Surprisingly, treatment alone neither nor maintained size. not mitogenic itself, expression receptor supported action leiomyoma xenografts. Taken together, our findings define that maintenance dependent.