Compositions for cytochemical investigation, their use and method for the detection of steroid hormone receptors in human tissues

摘要

Novel chemical compositions are provided consisting essentially of a hormone-carrier-fluorochrome conjugate, especially an estrogen-carrier-fluorochrome or a progesterone-carrier-fluorochrome conjugate. The conjugates are cytochemical agents and can be used in a method for the detection and identification of estrogen or progesterone receptor cells in carcinomas of the breast involving the application of the agent to an excised unfixed frozen tissue section, which is then examined for the appearance of fluorescent dye staining of the cells therein, for evaluation of potential endocrine or hormone therapy of the patient. Cytochemical agents and methods for the detection of other types of hormone receptor cells in various kinds of cancerous tissue are also disclosed, using sex hormones and endochrine steroid components.