Receptors for retinoic acid and retinol in human mammary carcinomas.

The cellular content of receptors for retinol (CRBP) and retinoic acid (CRABP) was measured in 148 human mammary carcinomas. High levels of CRABP were found in lobular carcinomas while those of the papillary subgroup had low levels of the receptor. Intermediate values for CRABP were observed for ductal, colloid and medullar carcinomas. The cellular levels of CRBP were high in ductal carcinomas and low in papillar carcinomas. A positive correlation was observed between the receptor for estradiol and CRABP. However, no significant correlation was found between the tumor cell DNA pattern and the content of CRABP and CRBP respectively. Recurrence of disease could be predicted by the nodal status and the level of estradiol receptor while the DNA pattern and the content of receptors for retinoic acid and retinol failed.