Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Capacity Research Articles

Triiodothyronine in the treatment of hirsute girls.

Twenty six girls with hirsutism and menstrual disturbances were investigated. The girls participated in 9-day dynamic tests with dexamethasone and human chorionic gonadotrophin and using serum testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) capacity estimations three groups of hirsutism (adrenal, ovarian and mixed) were diagnosed. In the treatment of hirsute girls the triiodothyronine (T3) alone, T3 with dexamethasone and T3 with contraceptive pills (Gestranol) were employed. Before and during treatment serum concentrations of T, DHT and SHBG were determined. While an effect of T3 on T and DHT serum levels could not be established statistically, SHBG capacity increased significantly in comparison to their initial values. This increase was more evident after an addition of dexamethasone (adrenal type of hirsutism) and Gestranol (ovarian type of hirsutism). The employed treatment led to the regulation of menstrual bleedings and in most cases caused an inhibition of an excessive growth of body hair. The authors suggest that the administration of thyroid gland preparations should be considered in the treatment of hirsutism in young individuals.

Biosensor-based detection of reduced sex hormone-binding globulin binding capacities in response to growth-promoter administrations

Growth-promoting agents are illicitly used during animal rearing processes and the detection of their use is limited by new compounds and dosing practices that limit the efficiency of current testing which is based on residue analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) methodology. An alternative approach is to use indirect biological evidence as a screening tool to identify growth-promoter treated animals thus improving the effectiveness of residue testing through the targeted sampling of these animals. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein which binds and controls the levels of sex-hormones within the circulation. Using a biosensor assay based on measurement of binding to an immobilised 1α-dihydrotestosterone (1α-DHT) derivative, reduced SHBG binding capacities were detected in growth-promoter treated animals. During the course of a veal treatment regime based on repeated oestradiol benzoate, nortestosterone decanoate and dexamethasone administrations, treated male and female calves were shown to have significantly lower SHBG capacities. To assess the effectiveness of using SHBG binding capacities as a biomarker of treatment and to investigate the role of individual growth-promoter components to the SHBG capacity lowering effects, adult heifer animals were subjected to repeated doses of nortestosterone decanoate. These animals also demonstrated a reduction in SHBG capacity levels at Day 39 of the study, in contrast to oestradiol benzoate treated adult steers who were found to have unaltered levels. These findings suggest that the measurement of SHBG binding capacities using a biosensor assay has potential in the identification of illegally treated animals, particularly those exposed to androgens.

Pretreatment plasma testosterone and estradiol levels in patients with locally advanced or metastasized prostatic cancer. FINNPROSTATE Group.

Studies concerning pretreatment plasma hormonal environment in relation to stage of prostatic cancer have given conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to compare the pretreatment plasma testosterone (T), free T (fT), estradiol (E2), and free E2 (fE2) levels in patients with locally advanced (T3-4 M0) and metastatic (T1-4 M1) prostatic cancer, and to further examine the effect of the patients' general condition on these levels. The present series consisted of 238 patients (Finnprostate 6 study). The variables analyzed were E2, fE2, T, fT, age, body mass index (BMI), sex hormone binding globulin capacity (SHBG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and performance status (PS). The E2 and fE2 levels were significantly higher in M0 patients than in M1 patients, with no significant differences in T and fT levels. In multivariate analyses, a decline in performance status (PS), an increase in ESR, or a decrease in Hb, were related to a decrease in T, fT, E2, or fE2 levels. Pretreatment plasma estradiol was significantly lower in M1 patients than in M0 patients, but there were no significant differences in T levels, although the poor general condition was related to a decrease in the pretreatment levels of both testosterone and estradiol.

Quantitative and qualitative changes in lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoprotein A-I, and sex hormone-binding globulin due to two doses of conjugated equine estrogen with and without a progestin

To determine whether the quantitative and qualitative effects on lipoproteins differ between two doses of conjugated equine estrogen before and after progestin administration.We randomized 103 postmenopausal women into a control group and into two groups receiving either 0.625 mg or 1.25 mg of conjugated equine estrogen for 4 months and then the same estrogen dose plus cyclic medroxyprogesterone acetate for 8 months.Both estrogen doses similarly lowered (P < .01) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raised (P < .01) high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, triglyceride levels of all lipoproteins, and sex hormone-binding globulin capacity. Cyclic addition of the progestin reduced HDL cholesterol (P < .01) and apolipoprotein A-I (P < .05), but not LDL cholesterol in either estrogen group. A greater lowering of HDL cholesterol (P < .05) in response to the progestin was seen with the 0.625-mg dose of estrogen. Estrogen-induced triglyceride enrichment of HDL and LDL was not reversed by the progestin.The only significant quantitative difference in lipoprotein levels between the doses of conjugated equine estrogen before or after administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate was a greater decline in HDL cholesterol levels with the lower dose after 4 months of the progestin. This difference was not sustained over time. There were no differences between doses in the estrogen-induced triglyceride enrichment of lipoproteins, and these qualitative changes were not affected by the progestin.

Sex Differences in Umbilical Cord Serum Levels of Inhibin, Testosterone, Oestradiol Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate, and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin in Human Term Neonates

The contribution of the fetus to inhibin production in human pregnancy is unclear. Previous studies have reported inhibin concentrations in cord blood but on limited sample numbers. The present study is a more extensive examination of sex differences in immunoreactive inhibin and steroidal hormones in term umbilical cord blood. Venous serum concentrations of inhibin were found to be significantly higher in males (mean +/- SD 2,168 +/- 914 pg/ml, n = 62) than in females (1,761 +/- 951 pg/ml, n = 63) (p < 0.01). Male concentrations of total testosterone (p < 0.005), free testosterone (p < 0.005), and estradiol (p < 0.05) were also significantly higher. The concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) capacity were similar in males and females. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the inhibin concentration in males correlated with the testosterone concentration and in females it correlated not only with testosterone concentration but also with gestational age at delivery and SHBG capacity (all p < 0.001). Inhibin concentrations in cord arterial serum in a subgroup of 24 males and 31 females were higher than in the venous serum in both sexes but the differences were not statistically significant. Concentrations of DHEAS determined in 22 female cord arterial blood samples (6.0 +/- 2.5 mumol/l) were significantly higher than the venous concentrations (5.2 +/- 1.8 mumol/l) (p < 0.05). Inhibin did not correlate with DHEAS either in their arterial serum concentrations or in the arteriovenous concentration differences. The findings of this study are consistent with the placenta being the principal source of inhibin circulating in the human fetus in late pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Progestogens: A Look at the ???Other??? Hormone

Health care providers need a general understanding of progestogens to use them safely and effectively in practice. These hormone formulations are used extensively in combination oral contraceptives and in hormonal replacement therapy with estrogen or alone. Although considered relatively safe for most women, it is important to look closely at the actions of the various progestogens and associated impacts. Major concerns regarding the use of these preparations center on potential untoward lipoprotein changes, carbohydrate metabolism alterations, and breast cancer. Other concerns relate to coagulation effects, prostacyclin changes, sex hormone-binding globulin capacity, psychological disturbances, blood pressure alterations, breakthrough bleeding, headaches, and other side effects. Over the years progestogen preparations have evolved into safer formulations with fewer apparent risks.

Estradiol, progesterone, and sex hormone‐binding globulin in female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

We measured the concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and the sex hormone-binding globulin capacity (rhSHBG) in serum of female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Although the serum rhSHBG capacity was altered by the removal of ovarian hormones, presumably estradiol, acute changes in serum estradiol and progesterone did not influence SHBG capacity. There appears to be a relatively low threshold for the effect of estradiol on rhSHBG capacity. The threshold must be present for a finite length of time to have that effect.

Mechanisms leading to hypogonadism in men with burns injuries.

A profound and persistent depression of serum testosterone concentrations was found in 19 men with burns injuries. This could not be explained by changes in sex hormone binding globulin capacity, hyperprolactinaemia, classical primary testicular failure, or a hypogonadotrophic state. Pulsatile release of luteinising hormone was found in control subjects but was absent or diminished in burnt patients with low serum testosterone concentrations. In addition, these patients showed reduced biological activity of luteinising hormone as measured by bioassay even though normal concentrations of luteinising hormone were detected by radioimmunoassay. The temporary hypogonadism after burns injury and possibly in other clinical states may be related to hypothalamic dysfunction, which leads to abnormal generation of luteinising hormone releasing hormone and non-pulsatile secretion of luteinising hormone of reduced biological activity.

The effects of low-protein diet and testosterone on sex hormone-binding globulin capacity in male rabbits

The effects of a low-protein high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet (8% protein 65% to 72% carbohydrate) were compared to those of regular rabbit chow (14% to 16% protein 57% to 64% carbohydrate) on sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) capacity in 12 male rabbits. The six rabbits who were fed the LPHC diet for 8 weeks showed a significant increase in their mean SHBG capacity (mean ± SE: from 70 ± 16 nmol/L to 332 ± 45 nmol/L, P < .01) whereas the six rabbits fed the standard diet showed a slight decrease (from 106 ± 22 nmol/L to 76 ± 20 nmol/L, NS). These changes in SHBG capacity were mirrored by a decrease in percent-free T (from 2.64 ± 0.26% to 1.64 ± 0.16%, P < .01) in the LPHC diet group and no change in percent-free T in the regular diet group (from 2.36 ± 0.21% to 2.19 ± 0.10%). The changes in SHBG capacity and percent-free T were not associated with significant changes in testosterone (T), free T, estradiol (E 2), thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroxine-binding globulin, or cortisol binding globulin levels. In a subsequent experiment, testosterone cyclopentyl proprionate (TCP) was administered to six male rabbits while on regular rabbit chow and again after 6 weeks of the LPHC diet. TCP administration did not cause any significant change in the SHBG capacity, but the LPHC resulted again in a significant ( P < .05) increase in SHBG capacity from 80 ± 18 nmol/L to 198 ± 22 nmol/L. There was an inverse correlation between SHBG capacity and percent-free T but no significant correlation between SHBG and T, SHBG and free T concentration, percent free T and T, or between weight and SHBG. The administration of a LPHC diet results in a significant increase in SHBG capacity and a decrease in precent free T. While changes in circulating T levels can effect the SHBG capacity, the increase noted after diet is not due to changes in T levels. This increase does not appear mediated by changes in circulating E 2 or thyroid hormones and the exact mechanism remains uncertain.

Plasma levels of levonorgestrel and free levonorgestrel index in women using NORPLANT ® implants or two covered rods (NORPLANT ®-2)

Plasma levels of levonorgestrel, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and estradiol were studied during four years in 283 healthy women using either NORPLANT® implants or two covered rods (NORPLANT ®-2). The women were randomized to use either type of implant. Both implant systems have previously been shown to have similar release rates of levonorgestrel. In both groups plasma levels of levonorgestrel decreased throughout the study, and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in mean plasma levels of levonorgestrel. During the study 8 women became pregnant. All pregnancies but one occurred after 35 months of implant use and only in women using the covered rods. No significant differences were seen between the women who became pregnant and the rest of the group using two covered rods with respect to plasma levels of levonorgestrel. SHBG capacity tended to be somewhat higher in women using the two covered rods. As levonorgestrel is to a great extent bound to SHBG, and in that form not biologically active, a “free levonorgestrel index” was calculated as a ratio between levonorgestrel and SHBG. This index was significantly lower in users of two covered rods than in users of NORPLANT® implants at 1, 12 and 48 months of use. Women who became pregnant had significantly lower “free levonorgestrel index” than had the rest of the group. It is postulated that the difference in “free levonorgestrel index” between users of the two implant systems reflect differences in release rate, the covered rods having a lower release rate of levonorgestrel than NORPLANT® throughout the observation period. It is concluded that “free levonorgestrel index” is a better parameter than levonorgestrel plasma levels to describe implant function, and to discriminate women who are at risk of pregnancy.

CONTRACEPTION WITH SUBDERMAL IMPLANTS RELEASING LEVONORGESTREL

Two methods for release of levonorgestrel from polydimethylsiloxane (Silastic) subdermal implants for contraception were studied. The first system consists of six 3 cm long Silastic capsules filled with levonorgestrel (NORPLANT). The second one consists of two 4 cm long rods made from Silastic and levonorgestrel, covered with thin Silastic tubing (NORPLANT-2). The contraceptive efficacy of NORPLANT implants was excellent during the four years of observation. That of NORPLANT-2 implants was very good during the first three years, but not acceptable during the fourth year. Both types of implants were well tolerated and the most common side effect experienced was bleeding disturbances such as irregular bleeding and periods of prolonged bleeding. The frequency of such disturbances decreased considerably after the first year of use. The plasma levels of levonorgestrel decreased throughout the study, and did not show any statistically significant difference between users of the two types of implants. The plasma levels of levonorgestrel in women who became pregnant did not differ from those in women who did not become pregnant. Levonorgestrel binds to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) with high affinity, and in the bound form is not biologically active. A "free levonorgestrel index" (FLI), i.e. the ratio of plasma level of levonorgestrel to SHBG capacity, was calculated. Women with NORPLANT had higher FLI than those with NORPLANT-2 and women who became pregnant had lower FLI than those who did not. It is suggested that NORPLANT-2 implants have a lower rate of release of levonorgestrel than NORPLANT implants. SHBG capacity, thyroid binding proteins and corticosteroid binding globulin decreased during treatment. Plasma total testosterone decreased during treatment, whereas free testosterone was unaltered. Thyroid function and plasma cortisol levels did not change during treatment. Treatment with phenytoin decreased the contraceptive effect. In a group of regularly menstruating women who had used NORPLANT-2 implants for more than three years, 40% showed anovulation, 20% luteinization of unruptured follicles and 40% apparent ovulation.

Role of serum androgens and sex hormone binding globulin capacity in the evaluation of hirsutism in women

Serum samples from 23 hirsute women and 23 non-hirsute women matched for age and deviation from ideal weight were analyzed for total testosterone (T), percent free testosterone (% FT) and sex hormone binding globulin capacity (SHBG). The % FT was assayed by 2 methods, using diluted serum in equilibrium dialysis (EQD) and using undiluted serum in centrifugal ultra-filtration (UF). SHBG was measured by a DEAE cellulose filter assay and T by radioimmunoassay. The two methods for determining % FT correlated well. There was considerable overlap between the hirsute and control groups for all of the measured parameters. The discrimination between the 2 groups provided by the indirect estimate of free testosterone obtained from the ratio of T to SHBG was at least as good as that provided by the free testosterone derived from ultrafiltration or dialysis.

Endocrine responses to marathon running.

We have examined the hormone status of ten healthy adult males who completed the Glasgow marathon. Serum thyroxine, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone were unaffected by the exertion. Serum cortisol as well as other steroid hormones, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and oestradiol showed distinct rises (p less than 0.01) but serum testosterone fell significantly (p less than 0.01). There was no change in sex hormone binding globulin capacity but a significant fall in LH levels (p less than 0.05) accompanied the fall in serum testosterone. The mechanism of the fall in serum testosterone in this situation requires clarification but it is unlikely to have adverse consequences.

Hormonal contraception in diabetic women: Acceptability and influence on diabetes control and ovarian function of a nonalkylated estrogen/progestogen compound

The clinical acceptability and the influence on diabetes control were investigated in 50 women with insulindependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) during intake of a combined nonalkylated estrogen/progestogen compound (4 mg 17-β estradiol, 2 mg estriol and 1 mg norethindrone) for one year. In 6 IDDM women, the influence of the hormonal treatment on diabetes control and on ovarian function was investigated by measuring the concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb-Alc), fasting plasma glucose, serum estradiol, serum estrone, serum progesterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) capacity. No pregnancy occurred during the study and the overall continuation rate of 60% compare well with the continuation rate normally found in non-diabetic women after administration of conventional type oral contraceptives. No difficulties with diabetes control was registered and no significant changes in insulin requirements, 24-h urinary glucose excretion and Hb-Alc were found. Ovulation was inhibited during the hormonal intake as judged by serum progesterone measurements. Serum estroneincreased ( p < 0.05), but this had no influence on SHBG capacity, indicating that the estrogen/androgen balance was unchanged during treatment.

Hormone binding globulins and anticonvulsant therapy.

Serum sex hormone binding globulin, thyroxine binding globulin, cortisol binding globulin and vitamin D binding globulin, together with total levels of the appropriate bound hormones, were determined in 21 epileptic subjects who had been stabilised by long-term anticonvulsant therapy. Serum sex hormone binding globulin capacity was higher in these patients than in appropriate control groups (men p less than 0.05; women p less than 0.01), and values correlated with serum phenytoin levels in the female subjects (p less than 0.01). Thyroxine binding globulin levels were unaffected by anticonvulsants, but significant reductions in serum thyroxine (men p less than 0.05; women p less than 0.001) and triiodothyronine (men p less than 0.05; women p less than 0.01) were observed. Cortisol binding globulin capacity was appreciably elevated in patients of either sex (p less than 0.001), and in the women this was accompanied by a reduction in serum cortisol (p less than 0.001) and a significant correlation with the serum phenytoin concentration (p less than 0.01). Neither vitamin D binding globulin capacity nor serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were influenced by anticonvulsants in this study. It is concluded that anticonvulsant drug therapy causes widespread alterations in the normal homeostasis between hormones and their serum binding globulins. Such alterations may well have clinical significance.

Effects of two progestins with different androgenic properties on hepatic endothelial lipase and high density lipoprotein 2

Thirty postmenopausal women were randomly treated with desogestrel (DG) or levonorgestrel (LN) 125 μg/day for 3 weeks. Desogestrel reduced the serum total and free (non-protein bound) testosterone concentrations. It caused a small decrease in the sex hormone binding globulin capacity (SHBG) but did not influence the free testosterone index (testosterone/SHBG ratio). Levonorgestrel, on the other hand, did not influence the free testosterone concentration, but caused a significant increase in the free testosterone index. Levonorgestrel reduced the HDL and particularly the HDL 2 cholesterol concentrations (mean change from 1.75 to 1.45 mmol/l for HDL and from 0.73 to 0.50 mmol/l for HDL 2, P < 0.001). It also caused a reduction in the VLDL triglyceride ( P < 0.05) but not the total serum triglyceride concentration. Desogestrel did not cause any significant changes in HDL or HDL 2 cholesterol concentrations, but it reduced the VLDL triglyceride ( P < 0.01) and total serum ( P < 0.05) triglyceride concentrations. Neither of the two progestins influenced the postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity or the serum cholesterol esterification rate by lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). It is therefore possible that both steroids decreased the hepatic output of triglycerides, which may be clinically important since both progestins are used in combination with ethinylestradiol (EE) which increases the hepatic TG synthesis. The failure of desogestrel to change HDL levels is consistent with earlier data on the lack of effects on HDL by non-androgenic progestins. Levonorgestrel increased the mean activity of postheparin plasma hepatic lipase (HL) from 23.3 to 28.0 pmol · h −1 · ml −1 ( P < 0.05). In contrast, this activity was not influenced by desogestrel. The magnitude of the changes in postheparin plasma HL activity and the free testosterone index (testosterone/SHBG ratio) showed significant positive correlation (+0.41, P < 0.05). On the other hand, the changes in the HDL 2 cholesterol and the postheparin plasma HL activity were inversely interrelated ( r= −0.52, P < 0.01). These relationships are consistent with the idea that the effects of different progestins on the HDL cholesterol are mediated by the sex steroid sensitive hepatic endothelial lipase.

Pharmacodynamic studies on desogestrel administered alone and in combination with ethinylestradiol.

Most progestogens in oral contraceptives are testosterone derivatives and have androgenic side effects such as weight increase, acne and hirsutism. They pose a problem to many women just like the clinical picture of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) with obesity, hirsutism, acne and amenorrhea. The aim of this study was to evaluate androgenicity of the most used progestogens with special reference to desogestrel which is a new progestogen. Radioimmunoassay was used for hormone determination while serum proteins were determined with electroimmunoassay or in some studies for sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) with capacity assays. Serum lipids and lipoproteins were determined in serum and after ultracentrifugation in HDL, LDL and VLDL fractions. In a comparative study on levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol (EE) (n = 10) versus desogestrel/ethinylestradiol (n = 10) the latter combination gave increases in SHBG capacity while the former did not. Similar increases in estrogen-sensitive proteins cortisol binding globulin (CBG) and ceruloplasmin indicated that the estrogenicity and "antiestrogenicity" was the same for the two combinations whereas the androgenicity of levonorgestrel was greater giving a reduction in the EE-induced increase in SHBG (SHBG is increased by estrogens and suppressed by androgens). When giving desogestrel 0.125-0.500 mg and lynestrenol 5 mg alone in daily doses to a group of regularly menstruating women (n = 8) strong suppression of SHBG was achieved while ceruloplasmin, CBG and thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) did not change. TBG is decreased and prealbumin increased by androgenic/anabolic activity but only a moderate increase in prealbumin was found during lynestrenol treatment. The changes in SHBG are probably the result of a dose-dependent receptor interaction related to 17 alpha-alkylation in 19-norsteroids. Twenty women with PCO were treated for 8 months with 0.150 mg desogestrel/0.030 mg EE. Evaluation was done before treatment and after 3 and 8 "pill" cycles regarding androgens, estradiol, SHBG, hirsutism and body weight. Spontaneous menstrual cycles were assessed after treatment. Serum lipids and lipoproteins were studied before treatment and at the end of the third "cycle". In PCO the suppression of increased total and free testosterone levels (in comparison to 22 healthy women) was evident during treatment, concordant with increases in SHBG capacity. Hirsutism was suppressed and body weight was reduced in obese women.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of two estradiol/norgestrel combinations on the ovulatory pattern and on sex hormone binding globulin capacity in women around forty years of age.

Thirteen women aged 36-46 years (mean 43) who were seeking contraceptive advice, were monitored for 3 months with basal body temperature (BBT) and were then treated for 3 months with CyclabilR (11 tablets of 2 mg estradiol valerate (E2) followed by 10 tablets of 2 mg E2 + 0.5 mg norgestrel). This treatment was immediately followed by another 3 months with CyclabilR + 2 mg E2. BBT revealed a spontaneous ovulatory rate of 89%. Cyclabil reduced the ovulatory rate, as measured with repeated serum progesterone analyses, to 37%, and Cyclabil + 2 mg E2 resulted in a marked reduction in the number of ovulations (3%). Both types of hormonal combination resulted in relatively small changes in Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Capacity. It is concluded that the addition of 2 mg E2 to CyclabilR causes a decrease in ovulation rate to such an extent that women using this combination run a relatively small risk of conceiving. One advantage over contraceptive steroids may be that the present combination contains a natural estrogen at a relatively low concentration.

Short-term effects of desogestrel and ethinyloestradiol on serum proteins in women

The effects of the new progestagen desogestrel on the changes induced by ethinyloestradiol (EE) on the serum levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), transcortin, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin were studied in healthy female volunteers. Desogestrel (0.125 mg or 0.250 mg) administered in combination with 0.050 mg EE was compared with 0.050 mg EE alone. After 7 and 14 days the three regimens induced similar changes in the serum levels of transcortin, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. Desogestrel at a dose level used in oral contraceptives did not inhibit the EE-induced increase in SHBG capacity while its influence on this parameter at twice the clinical dosage (0.250 mg) used was still minor. It can be concluded that with respect to the parameters studied desogestrel in the clinical dosage used has no detectable oestrogenic or androgenic effect.

Distribution of 17 β-Estradiol in the Sera of Normal British and Japanese Women&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;

Normal Japanese women had significantly more of their blood 17 beta-estradiol (E2) bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (53%) than British women (30%) and conversely less bound to albumin. While the proportion of SHBG-bound E2 increased with SHBG capacity and while binding fell as weight increased, the differences between the races do not appear to be explicable in terms of SHBG capacity or weight. At a given SHBG capacity, the Japanese women had more E2 bound to the protein than the British women. Where weights in the 2 populations overlapped, the Japanese women still had more of their E2 bound to SHBG than did the British women. Our results suggested that the affinity of albumin for E2 is lower in Japanese women.