Neurotensin receptors in adeno- and squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Peptide receptors seem to be good markers for receptor targeting because of their overexpression in human cancer. Understanding the role of receptors and their cognate ligands, they are currently used for both diagnosis and therapy. Candidates playing a key role in tumor biology are the neurotensin receptors (NTR). The expression of NTR in HT-29 cells (human colon adenocarcinoma cell line), FaDu cells (human squamous cell carcinoma cell line) and in corresponding tumor xenografts on nude mice, was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR of the three receptor subtypes was carried out to study mRNA expression. Receptor protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies for the three known neurotensin receptors NTR1, NTR2 and NTR3. RESULTS Analysis of receptor mRNA revealed a strong expression of NTR3 and a weak expression of NTR1 and NTR2 in cultured cells and xenografts. Examining the protein levels, a strong signal for NTR1 was detected in tumor cells and xenografts and only a weak signal was detected for NTR3. CONCLUSION Since the receptor protein is targeted in vivo, the enhanced protein expression of NTR1 in xenografts could be a useful tool for molecular targeting with radioligands and for further characterization of the carcinogenic process.