[Methodological problems concerning the assay of sex hormone binding globulin with DEAE-cellulose]

Since 1966 a carrier protein for the sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol, has been identified. Mickelson and Petra measured SHBG concentration by adsorption method in 1974. The SHBG contained in serum is incubated with DHT-3H and adsorbed to a cellulose filter. In this study we have reviewed this method. The method showed good reproducibility with a coefficient of variation of 8,1% for low concentration of SHBG and 11,6% for high concentration. No effects of serum dilution was observed. Normal values, expressed as micrograms DHT bound in 100 ml serum, resulted: females, 0,88 +/- 0,08 (ES); males, 0,58 +/- 0,04; pregnancy, 2,94 +/- 0,4. The mean value for males was significantly lower than the mean value for normal females (P < 0,005); pregnancy had a mean value statistically different from the normal females (P < 0,001).