This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by El-Bolkainy, M. N. Articles by French, A. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by El-Bolkainy, M. N. Articles by French, A. J.

Regression of an Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma by Estradiol Treatment¹

Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

The effect of estradiol on a transplantable adrenal cortical carcinoma was studied in BALB/c mice. Estradiol treatment (10 µg daily) prior to inoculation of the tumors precluded successful transplantation and, when started after the tumors were palpable, resulted in their regression. Estradiol-treated tumors showed arrest of mitoses and accumulation of lipid and cholesterol in the cytoplasm.

The mode of action of estradiol was considered to be direct on tumor cells rather than through inhibition of pituitary hormones because regression of the tumors was observed in hypophysectomized, pair-fed mice treated with estradiol. In addition, estradiol treatment (20 µg/ml in modified Eagle's medium) of the tumors in organ culture inhibited and retarded their subsequent growth in isologous hosts. This in vitro effect of estrogen appeared to be specific on the adrenal tumor since a reticulum cell sarcoma of BALB/c mice similarly treated did not show this behavior.

¹ This work was supported by a grant from the American Cancer Society through the Cancer Research Institute (IN-40E) of the University of Michigan and Grant E105 from the American Cancer Society.

² American Cancer Society Professor of Pathology.

Received 3/22/67. Accepted 6/ 5/67.