OCCURRENCE AND DE-NOVO BIOSYNTHESIS OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING-HORMONE (FSH) IN BENIGN AND MALIGNANT CONDITIONS OF HUMAN BREAST

We report the occurrence as well as biosynthesis of a Pituitary hormon e, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in human breast. Using immunoper oxidase localization technique, both FSH and beta-FSH were localized i n cytoplasm of epithelial cells but not in stromal cells. Immunostaini ng was more intense in benign and malignant specimens as compared to n ormal. In vitro radiolabelled precursor experiments with breast tissue explants indicate de novo synthesis of FSH. Human milk had higher con centrations of FSH as compared to serum. In gonads, FSH is involved in the cellular growth, differentiation and function. The presence of hi gher levels of FSH in benign mammary tumors and breast cancer when com pared to normal breast supports the suggestion that FSH might have a r ole in the process of breast malignant transformation.