Albumin Metabolism in Female Mice Treated with Progestogen- and Oestrogen-Components in Oral Contraceptives

Abstract

The metabolism of [¹³¹I]albumin was studied in groups of mice during treatment with a progestogen- and an oestrogen-component from an oral contraceptive. The progestogen did not affect the concentration of serum albumin, but gave a decrease in plasma volume and in the rate of synthesis. The oestrogen-component caused both an increase in the plasma volume and a decrease of about 20% in the concentration of serum albumin and the rate of synthesis.

Key Words:

• Albumin
• albumin metabolism
• oral contraceptives
• plasma volume
• radioiodinated albumin