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 Bergh, J. Articles by Nilsson, S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Bergh, J. Articles by Nilsson, S.

Expression of an Estramustine-binding Associated Protein in Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines¹

Department of Oncology [J. B., J-E. W., S. N.], Akademiska sjukhuset, University of Uppsala, S-751 85 Uppsala, and Research Laboratories, AB LEO [P. B.], S-251 00 Helsingborg, Sweden

Estramustine-binding protein has previously been demonstrated in normal rat prostatic tissue, in normal human prostate epithelium, and in prostatic carcinomas. It binds specifically estramustine and estromustine, the cytotoxic metabolites of estramustine phosphate (Estracyt), a drug which is used in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma. In this study we have examined the presence of an estramustine-binding associated protein in a panel of human cell lines, representing the major histopathological types of lung cancer. A mouse (murine) monoclonal antiserum developed against rat estramustine-binding protein was used for immunohistochemical detection. Fast protein liquid chromatography was used for biochemical characterization. As judged from the immunohistochemical investigation, estramustine-binding protein was present in large amounts in five of six non-small cell carcinoma cell lines, while seven of eight small cell carcinoma cell lines were essentially negative. Fast protein liquid chromatography analyses of lysated cells from the lung cancer cell lines, incubated with [³H]estromustine, concurred with the results from the immunohistochemical stainings. These data strongly indicate a convincing connection between the immunoreactivity and ligand-binding properties of estramustine-binding protein in the cell lines examined. The presence of an estramustine-binding associated protein in human lung cancer cell lines has implications for further investigations into the biological relevance and the potential for eventual therapeutic applications.

¹ This project was supported by grants from the Swedish Cancer Society, LEO Research Fund, and Lions Cancer Research Fund at Akademiska sjukhuset.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

Received 7/23/87. Revised 4/ 4/88. Accepted 5/11/88.