Effects of Hormone Administration on Serum Protein Patterns. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. In continuation of investigations on changes of serum protein patterns following operation, the effect of administration of hormones on the serum proteins of rats was tested. 2. The total serum protein concentration increased on cortisone administration; no other hormone tested had a significant effect. 3. Pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone decreased the serum albumin concentration. Testosterone, hydrocortone, and cortisone increased the serum albumin concentration. 4. Insulin increased the concentration of alpha₁ globulins. Estrogen produced an increase in the alpha₂ globulin concentration, which appeared as a double band. 5. Hydrocortone, but not cortisone, depressed the serum gamma globulin concentration. 6. The other pituitary and adrenal hormones, progesterone and thyroxine, were without effect on the serum protein pattern.