Increased density of peripheral benzodiazepine-binding sites in ovarian carcinomas as compared with benign ovarian tumours and normal ovaries.

1. Benzodiazepines are involved in the control of proliferation and differentiation of normal and malignant cells in vitro. This regulatory ability is probably mediated via peripheral benzodiazepine-binding sites. 2. In the present study we compared the binding characteristics of peripheral benzodiazepine-binding sites in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma with those in benign ovarian tumours and normal ovaries. 3. The affinity and density of peripheral benzodiazepine-binding sites in homogenate preparations of ovarian carcinoma as compared with benign ovarian tumours and with normal tissues (used as controls) were determined using a ligand specific for peripheral benzodiazepine-binding sites, [3H]PK 11195, an isoquinoline carboxamide derivative. 4. We observed a robust (three- to five-fold) increase in the neoplasm compared with benign ovarian tumours and normal tissues, without a concomitant change in affinity values. 5. This finding may reflect a change in the metabolic rates of ovarian cancer which is expressed as the alteration in the density of peripheral benzodiazepine-binding sites.