Comparison of plasma protein changes induced by danazol and pregnancy.

Analysis of 25 proteins of supposed hepatocyte origin was performed on plasma from 7 females before and during treatment with danazol. The same 25 proteins were analysed in plasma from pregnant women in their third trimester. The general conclusions are that the major plasma proteins of hepatic origin have a biosynthetic regulation which is steroid insensitive but the biosynthesis of some minor components is highly steroid sensitive in a way that supports the theory that hepatocyte steroid receptors exist. The full hepatocyte steroid response (2-6 weeks) develops more slowly than the response of steroid dependent tissues (days). The plasma protein response with danazol administration is similar to the response to other 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic steroids and is in accordance with the theory that danazol competes with endogenous steroids for their receptors in all target tissues. The changes during pregnancy are mainly referred to the increased influence of oestradiol. Integrated data from this and earlier studies suggest that the level of sex hormone binding globulin in a sensitive way reflects the competition of androgen, oestrogens and gestagens at hepatocyte receptor level.