Temperature-Responsive Release of Cortisol from Its Binding Globulin: A Protein Thermocouple

Abstract

This study clearly shows that even within the clinically relevant range of temperatures found in humans, CBG acts as a protein thermocouple that is exquisitely sensitive to temperature change and will release cortisol in response to fever or external sources of heat. This has major implications for our understanding of cortisol regulation in febrile patients.