Response of transcortin and alpha 2u-globulin to turpentine-induced inflammation in the rat: influence of corticosteroids and prolactin.

Evidence is presented that (transcortin and alpha 2u-globulin react as negative acute-phase proteins in the rat. Thirty-six hours after turpentine injection, the serum concentration of these proteins showed a two- to threefold decrease. Thereafter, transcortin rapidly returned to normal values, whereas alpha 2u-globulin remained low. This reaction pattern was still present after adrenalectomy, adrenalectomy and administration of glucocorticoids, and after treatment with bromocriptine, a suppressor of prolactin secretion. It is concluded that changes in the secretion of glucocorticoids and prolactin are not required for the observed turpentine-induced decrease of transcortin and alpha 2u-globulin.