ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the presence, location and intensity of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the cardinal ligaments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A prospective study was conducted by sampling the cardinal ligaments of 29 consecutive women undergoing hysterectomy. The presence and location of estrogen and progesterone receptors were assessed by an immunohistochemical staining technique.

RESULTS:

Estrogen receptors were detected in 25 samples (86.2%), while progesterone receptors were detected in ali of them. The estrogen receptors staining intensity index (Sil) was significantly higher in premenopausal than postmenopausal women (1.5±0.7 vs. 0.9±0.7, p<0.02). The percentage of progesterone receptors was significantly higher in the premenopausal group (88.1±15.5 vs. 60.0±31.1, p<0.002). There was no association between the presence of both receptors with parity, body mass index, or smoking. All receptors were located in the nuclei of the smooth muscle cells and the blood vessel.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that the cardinal ligaments serve as a target for the effect of estrogen and progesterone.