EFFECTS OF SEX STEROIDS ON PROTEIN-SYNTHESIS IN CULTURED HUMAN-LYMPHOCYTES

In cultured human lymphocytes, oestrogen and progesterone at concentra tions found in plasma during the normal menstrual cycle, significantly increase the incorporation of [S-35] methionine into protein and, in addition, both hormones significantly alter the relative synthesis of certain proteins. At concentrations found in plasma during pregnancy, some changes are augmented while others are reversed. These specific s ex-steroid-induced changes in protein synthesis provide possible perip heral biological markers of hormone action which may be tested for the ir association with predisposition to, and/or onset of, conditions suc h as postpartum psychiatric illness. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd.