Summary
The concentrations of plasma transferrin (Tf), which has been described possessing
growth promoting activity in vitro, were determined in patients with hypophysial diseases before and after treatment.
Plasma Tf levels in 74 healthy subjects were 269±3 (mean±SE) mg/dl. In 11 patients
with active acromegaly, they were elevated to 353±11 mg/dl (P < 0.001), while they
were reduced to 168±14 mg/dl in 8 patients with hypopituitarism (P < 0.001). They
were normalized after appropriate treatment. These data indicate that plasma Tf varies
according to endocrine status in relation to that of plasma somatomedin-C, and therefore
its measurement may be useful clinically for the evaluation of the status of growth
factors. However, the values should be assessed carefully in cases with proper Tf
abnormalities, such as hematological, hepatic or renal disorders.
Key-Words
Transferrin
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Acromegaly
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Hypopituitarism
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Growth Factor
