Plasma sex steroid binding proteins (SSBP) in the male lizard, Podarcis s. sicula, during the reproductive cycle

In male Podarcis s. sicula plasma, a sex steroid binding protein [SSBP(s)] binds testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E2) with moderate affinity (K(d) = 0.23 ± 0.08 x 10-8 for 3H-E2, and 0.24 ± 0.07 x 10-8 for 3H-T) and high capacity. The SSBP binding affinity is unchanged throughout the sexual cycle, although its capacity is higher in nonreproductive males (winter and postreproductive period). This change may be related to changes in plasma T and E2 levels, and is likely to be involved in mechanisms whereby free steroid is delivered to target organs. SSBP, under isoelectrofocusing, is distributed between pH 5.5-6.5 and pH 7.1-7.5. The concentration of these two forms varies during the annual cycle.