Endogenous steroid concentrations in human breast tumours determined by high-resolution mass fragmentography (Short Communication)

Abstract

A pilot study of the endogenous steroid concentrations in human breast tumours was performed. The technique of high-resolution molecular-ion monitoring during combined g.l.c.–mass spectrometry was used to determine oestrone, oestradiol-17β and oestriol in concentrations above 1ng/g wet wt. of tissue, and dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, androsterone (3α-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one) and 3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one in concentrations exceeding 5ng/g, in extracts of five primary breast tumours.