STEROID-HORMONE PRODUCTION AND RECEPTORS IN RELATION TO KI-67, P53, S-PHASE FRACTION AND PLOIDY IN EPITHELIAL OVARIAN-TUMORS

In this investigation, the in vitro production of progesterone and est radiol in ovarian tissues was studied for the first time in relation t o the immunohistochemical expression of steroid hormone receptors, Ki- 67, p53, DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction. Ovarian tissue from 44 women was examined. Steroid receptors were found more frequently in normal than in tumor ovaries. A substantial focal staining heterogeneity was demonstrated. Mucinous tumors were always progesterone receptor negati ve. Furthermore, the Ki-67 index was negatively correlated to the prog esterone production of the tumor ovaries. Among the malignant tumors, all the high producers of progesterone expressing PR were low prolifer ating, diploid and p53-negative.