Cortisol-Binding Capacity of Plasma Transcortin: A Sex-Linked Trait?

Abstract

In men, but not in women, the distribution of CBC values (cortisol-binding capacity of plasma transcortin) has a bimodal aspect, both subgroups being of about equal size. This bimodal distribution is also present within pairs of brothers. A statistical excess of low CBC values is seen in the plasma of relatives of subjects with a CBC below 20 μg/100 ml. Fathers of sons, but not of daughters, with a CBC below 20 μg/100 ml have a normal mean CBC. These facts suggest that an x-linked gene determines, at least partly, the cortisol-binding capacity of plasma transcortin. The high incidence of low CBC values in patients with hemophilia or other conditions in which sex-linked inheritance may be of major importance is compatible with this hypothesis.