title: Correlates of plasma cortisol and DNA repair in human peripheral lymphocytes: suppression of repair in women taking estrogen.
abstract: We have examined the relationship between total plasma cortisol concentration and DNA repair capacity in human peripheral lymphocytes cultured in vitro; the data indicate that high concentrations of cortisol (> 20 micrograms/dl) inhibit DNA repair. The inhibitory effect can be abrogated by the addition of RU38486, a cortisol antagonist. In addition, we compared plasma cortisol concentration and in vitro DNA repair capacity in 52 healthy individuals. Females on therapeutic estrogen (oral contraceptive or estrogen replacement therapy) had significantly elevated plasma cortisol and suppression of DNA repair capacity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Clemson University, SC 29634-1909.
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Larcom
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Baxley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000187:drug effects*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000494:pharmacology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004967:Estrogens; D015735:Mifepristone; D006854:Hydrocortisone