Expression of FSH receptors in vulvar tissue

Authors

  • Helen Zirnask Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
  • Pasi Pöllanen Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
  • Siim Suutre Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
  • Taavi Torga Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
  • Samuel Rüsse Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
  • Liis Salumäe Pathology Service, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
  • Andres Kotsar Department of Urology, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
  • Kersti Kokk Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12697/poa.2025.34.1-2.02

Keywords:

follicle-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, vulva, extragonadal receptors

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the expression of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the human vulva to see if follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) could potentially impact the function of vulvar tissue. Vulvar tissue was obtained from three patients during surgery due to squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was used for the detection of the FSHR.

Positive immunoreaction for FSHR was present in the tissue samples of all patients. It was detected in all layers of the epithelium, in the fibroblasts of subepithelial connective tissue and in the walls of blood vessels in the vulva.

By now, several studies have shown that, besides testes and ovaries, FSHR is also present in many extragonadal tissues. As well as in many cases, FSH actions in those organs are also suggested. Up to now, no studies have confirmed the expression of the FSHR in the vulva. Based on the present results, it is possible that FSH is involved in the regulation of vulvar tissue function. Further studies are indicated.

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Published

2025-12-22

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 1-2 (2025)

Section

Articles