Differential regulation of c-myc by progestins and antiestrogens in T-47D human breast cancer cells.

In order to investigate further the mechanisms associated with growth inhibition of human breast cancer cells by progestins and nonsteroidal antiestrogens, their effect on c-myc gene expression in T-47D-5 and T-47D cells has been investigated. The c-myc mRNA levels were differentially regulated by the synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate and the nonsteroidal antiestrogen, monohydroxytamoxifen, in both cell lines. Antiestrogen treatment caused a persistent decrease in c-myc mRNA levels while the progestin caused a more complex response. Initially c-myc mRNA levels increased approx. 2-fold, this was followed by a decrease and then partial recovery. The end result, however, of each of these treatments is decreased cell number.