The effects of estrogen on cortisol metabolism in female baboons

We examined cortisol (F) dynamics in female baboons (Papio anubis) treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) or estradiol (E2) and compared values with those previously measured in nonpregnant and pregnant animals. Five regularly menstruating baboons (12-18 kg, BW) were administered 5 mg DES daily via fruit or 0.5 mg E2/0.1ml oil sc for 30 days. Blood samples, obtained before and after treatment, were assayed for serum F concentrations and serum cortisol binding capacity (CBC). The metabolic clearance (MCR) and production rate (PR) of F and the catabolism of i.v. administered [3H] F were examined 25 and 30 days after initiation of estrogen treatment. Compared with values in nonpregnant baboons, F metabolism in estrogen treated animals is significantly altered and is characterized by increased formation of unconjugated metabolites, decreased glucuronylation, increased excretion of unconjugated F, cortisone, and highly polar metabolites, and increased CBC. These changes induced by estrogen are similar to those observed in intact pregnant baboons and permit the suggestion that the pattern of F metabolism and the level of CBC in baboon pregnancy are the result of elevated estrogen production. However, estrogen also caused a significant decrease in the MCR and PR of F, parameters which, by contrast, are similar in intact pregnant and nonpregnant baboons. These findings indicate that while estrogen also influences the rate of F clearance and F production, these effects of estrogen are not apparent during pregnancy. Collectively, these findings allow the suggestion that estrogen is a major factor which alters F metabolism and increases serum CBC in baboon gestation. However, additional factors are operative in primate pregnancy which maintain PR and MCR of F at levels similar to those of nonpregnant baboons.