Relationship between expression of somatostatin receptors subtype 2 mRNA and estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer

Objectives To observe the expression of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) mRNA, and investigate the relationship between the expression of SSTR2 mRNA and the expressions of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ERs and PRs) in benign and malignant breast tissues.Methods Samples from a total of 23 breast carcinomas, 16 mammary hyperplasias, and 9 mammary fibroadenomas were analyzed. SSTR2 mRNA expression was examined by in situ hybridization using multiphase oligoprobes. ER and PR expressions were detected by immunohistochemical staining. A computerized image analysis system was utilized to estimate the relative content of SSTR2 mRNA.Results The rate of expression (87.0%) and relative content (0.47) of SSTR2 mRNA in breast cancer were higher than those in benign breast tissue (64%,0.26) (P<0.05). SSTR2 mRNA expression was closely correlated with ER and PR expressions in breast cancer (P<0.05). SSTR2 mRNA was also positively correlated with ER expression in benign breast tissues.Conclusions SSTR2 mRNA expression is higher or in benign breast tissues than in malignant ones. There is a significant positive correlation between SSTR2 mRNA and ER and PR expressions. Combined antiestrogen and somatostatin analogue in treatment of ER-positive breast cancers should be further investigated.