This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a related Letter to the Editor Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints, Permissions and Rights Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by VIGERSKY, R. A. Articles by LORIAUX, D. L. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by VIGERSKY, R. A. Articles by LORIAUX, D. L.

An Androgen Binding Protein in the Cyst Fluid of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Reproduction Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland 20014

Reprint address: Robert A. Vigersky, M.D., National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room12N204, Bethesda, Maryland 20014.

Androgen binding proteins (ABP) have not been described in the ovary. We have studiedcyst fluids from three patients with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and one patient with choriocarcinoma for the presence of ABP. All contained a high affinity, low capacity binding protein for dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol. Comparison of this protein with the plasma androgen binding protein (TeBG) in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and equilibrium dialysis did not reveal any significant differences in molecular size (K_R), net charge (Y_o), radius R, molecular weight (mol wt), heat stability, steroid specificity, or binding affinity (K_a). Cyst fluid and plasma could not be distinguished from each other on the basis of protein composition as measured by cellulose acetate electrophoresis.

In the one patient studied, the bindingcapacity for DHT in cyst fluid and plasma was 58.1 and 16.1 ng/Gm protein, respectively.

Received March 5, 1975.