Cells MCF7 human breast cancer carcinoma cell line
Species Human
Reporter n.a.
Service Content Investigation of the estrogenic (hormonal) potential of a test compound or material. Solid material is tested as extract according DIN ISO 10993-12 and DIN EN 1186-1.
Delivery A study protocol will be sent to initiate the study. Results are sent as draft and final study report.
Timelines Experiment time: 4 weeks per compound.
Draft report: within 6 weeks
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E-Screen

The test examines the estrogenic (hormonal) potential of a compound or test material. Estrogenic/hormonal activity can lead to detrimental effects during the embryonic, infantile, and juvenile development. In the E-Screen assay, the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 is used, which shows an increased growth if a hormonally effective chemical is present*. The increase in proliferation will be determined with a colorimetric test which is measured photometrically. 17ß estradiol is used as positive control.

The test principle and specification is described in the NICEATM "Pre-Screen Evaluation of the In Vitro Endocrine Disruptor Assay (MCF7 Cell Proliferaiton Assay of Estrogenic Activity)"; NICEATM (NTP Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods), October 16, 2006.

*Lippman M.E. et al. 1976. The effects of estrogens and antiestrogens on hormone-responsive human breast cancer in long-term tissue culture.  Cancer Res 36: 4595-4601
Horwitz KB et al. 1975. MCF-7: a human breast cancer cell line with estrogen, androgen, progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors.  Steroids 26: 785-795

Advantages E-Screen:

  • Highly sensitive assay detects 17ß-ER in the picomolar concentration range.
  • Robust cell culture test capable of medium throughput screening.
  • Detection of the hormonal biological effect of a compound even if the compound itself is unknown.
  • Testing of consumer goods possible due to a robust and relevant extraction technique (according to DIN ISO 10993-12 and DIN EN 1186-1).