Regulation of plasma corticosteroid-binding globulin in adult cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) during different reproductive states

The plasma concentration of the corticosteroid-binding globulin (mCBG) has been measured in Macaca fascicularis, during different stages of reproduction and under hormonal treatments. The mCBG level was determined by a specific electroimmunoassay. There was no difference between females in the follicular phase and intact males; mCBG concentrations were respectively (mean ± SEM) 469 ± 53 and 443 ± 25.6 nmol/1. The mCBG levels were similar during both the luteal (469 ± 33.5 nmol/1) and the follicular phase (469 ± 53 nmol/1). Compared to intact males, the mCBG levels were higher (P < 0.05) in castrated males (527 ± 6.6 nmol/1). During gestation, no systematic variations were found and the mCBG levels were not statistically different from the values found during the follicular phase. When estradiol benzoate was administered to castrated animals, the mCBG concentrations increased rapidly. In contrast, the values were reduced slightly by testosterone treatment. The sex-steroid action on the mCBG levels was discussed and compared with the mSBP levels. We question also, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the mCBG levels during pregnancy.