A simple method for the determination of free cortisol in plasma, with normal levels in men and women, including women taking low oestrogen contraceptives.
A small scale equilibrium dialysis method for the measurement of the non-protein bound cortisol in plasma is described. Dialysis is carried out in PTFE cells against an isosmolar Hepes buffer, equilibration occurring within 18 hours. Inter-assay variation was found to be approximately 6%. Samples taken from normal males and females and from oestrogen-treated females were analysed and the results compared with published levels. A significant difference in both the total and free cortisol levels was found between the normals and oestrogen-treated females.
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000097:blood*; D003956:Dialysis / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D006854:Hydrocortisone