Effect of Ethanol Feeding upon Levels of a Male‐Specific Hepatic Estrogen‐Binding Protein: A Possible Mechanism for Feminization

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Abstract
Male, but not female, rat liver cytosol contains an estrogen-binding protein with unique properties: rapid binding of estradiol, high binding capacity, moderate affinity for estradiol and specificity for steroidal estrogens and weak androgens, but not for nonsteroidal estrogens or other steroids. The estradiol-binding activity of this protein was reduced in cytosol from livers of alcohol-fed rats as compared to that from their isocalorically fed controls. The properties of the male-specific hepatic estrogen-binding protein suggested a role for this protein in the regulation of estrogen levels in the male animal. The reduction in activity of this unique protein in the liver of alcohol-fed animals may explain the feminization commonly seen in chronic alcoholic men.