PLASMA SEX HORMONE-BINDING GLOBULIN BINDING CAPACITY IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY AND PROSTATIC CARCINOMA: COMPARISON WITH AN AGE DEPENDENT RISE IN NORMAL HUMAN MALES

Abstract

A method for the routine determination of plasma sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) binding capacity was introduced. In normal males an age dependent increase in SHBG binding capacity from 2.85 .times. 10-8 M in the age range 22-44 yr to 4.66 .times. 10-8 M in the age range 45-64 yr was found. A higher mean value of 6.41 .times. 10-8 M was obtained in normal females, 20-40 yr old, and still higher values were found in females taking oral contraceptives. Although in male groups with benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostatic carcinoma the mean ages were somewhat higher than in the older normal group, a further age dependent increase in SHBG binding capacity in these diseases could not be demonstrated. The mean values found were slightly although significantly lower at 4.07 and 3.89 .times. 10-8 M, respectively. Estrogen treatment of males with prostatic carcinoma produced higher values.