Plasma Progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone measured by a Competitive Protein Binding Technique and related to the Oestrogen Excretion and LH Level around Ovulation in the normal Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

This chapter provides an account of plasma progesterone and 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone measured by a competitive protein binding technique and related to the oestrogen excretion and luteinizing hormone ( LH ) level around ovulation in the normal menstrual cycle. Around ovulation, drastic changes occur in the peripheral plasma concentration and urinary excretion of the gonadotrophins and ovarian steroids. This chapter discusses the relation between plasma LH, progesterone, 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone and the total urinary excretion of oestrogen during the normal human menstrual cycles. The chapter serves as the basis of the studies of the endocrinology of abnormal menstrual cycles. Plasma and urinary LH were assayed by the radioimmunosorbent technique of Wide and Porath. Antibodies to human chorionic gonadotrophins (HCG) were coupled to cyanogen bromide (CNBr)-activated Sephadex. Plasma 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone was measured by competitive protein binding.