Pentose phosphate pathway inhibition in blood cells during anticonceptive hormone therapy.

ABSTRACT

PIP The transketolase activity (TKA) of the white and red blood cells of oral contraceptive users was studied in an unselected sample population. Compared with healthy controls of corresponding age, the white cell TKA in the oral contraceptive groups was lowered in about 30%. The red cell TKA was lowered in about 15% of the subjects studied. The most pronounced TKA inactivation was observed in the group taking pills that contained mestranol and megestrol acetate. The glucose tolerance tests were normal. Discontinuing the hormones normalized the white cell TKA.^ieng