The binding of epidermal growth factor to the human uterus and leiomyomata in women rendered hypo-oestrogenic by continuous administration of an LHRH agonist

The binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to human myometrium and leiomyomata was assessed in a group of women rendered hypo-oestrogenic with the LHRH agonist Zoladex (ICI 118630). The results were compared with those obtained with tissues from women with normal cycles. In normal women, the specific binding of radiolabelled [125I] EGF to both myometrial and fibroid homogenates did not vary during the menstrual cycle, but the specific binding of [125I] EGF to fibroid in women treated with LHRH agonist was significantly less than in the untreated group. Since the hypo-oestrogenic state induced by the agonist is associated with a decrease in fibroid size, the results suggest that the effect of oestrogen on fibroid tissue may partly be mediated by EGF.