Effect of oral contraceptives on serum protein concentrations

Abstract

Utilizing the technique of single radial immunodiffusion, the concentrations of 8 serum proteins have been measured in women using various oral contraceptives. A significant decrease in albumin concentration and significant increases in concentrations of IgM, ceruloplasmin, and α1-antitrypsin were noted. Similar but more marked changes were noted in the sera of pregnant women at term. Unlike the marked increase in concentration of transferrin observed during pregnancy, no significant alteration in the transferrin level was noted in women using oral contraceptives.