epostane and Ovarian-Neoplasms

The effect of androgens, anti-androgens and epostane on the proliferation of three established human ovarian cancer cell lines was investigated. In one cell line, containing androgen receptors, a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of anti-androgens and epostane was observed. Adaptation of this cell line to flutamide resulted in decreased sensitivity to anti-androgens and epostane. Following adaptation of the cell lines to androgen, androgen receptors were present in all of them and an increased sensitivity to higher concentrations of anti-androgens and epostane was observed. These results suggest that androgens may play a role in the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, and that these cells may respond to blockage of androgen action or synthesis.

Topics: Androgen Antagonists; Androgens; Androstenols; Cell Division; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Receptors, Androgen; Tumor Cells, Cultured