The Description and Evaluation of a Competitive Protein-Binding Radioassay of 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone in Human Plasma

Abstract

A sensitive and precise method, based on the technique of competitive protein binding, has been developed for the determination of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in human plasma. The method consists of extraction with ether, HTLC to purify the plasma extracts and CBG radioassay. The reliability criteria of the complete procedure are presented. The method is suitable for application to peripheral plasma levels at all stages of the menstrual cycle, in men and in cases of endocrine diseases. The plasma values of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in men and during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle were 85.0 ± 30.6, 37.6 ± 14.3 and 169.0 ± 39.5 (SD) ng/100 ml, respectively. Results on patients with endocrine diseases are reported.