  We present a spectroscopic analysis of four massive binary systems that are
known or are good candidates to display the Struve-Sahade effect (defined as
the apparent strengthening of the secondary spectrum of the binary when the
star is approaching, and the corresponding weakening of the lines when it is
receding).
  We use high resolution optical spectra to determine new orbital solutions and
spectral types of HD 165052, HD 100213, HD 159176 and DH Cep. As good knowledge
of the fundamental parameters of the considered systems is necessary to examine
the Struve-Sahade effect. We then study equivalent width variations in the
lines of both components of these binaries during their orbital cycle.
  In the case of these four systems, variations appear in the equivalent widths
of some lines during the orbital cycle, but the definition given above can any
longer be valid, since it is now clear that the effect modifies the primary
spectrum as much as the secondary spectrum. Furthermore, the lines affected,
and the way in which they are affected, depend on the considered system. For at
least two of them (HD 100213 and HD 159176) these variations probably reflect
the ellipsoidal variable nature of the system.
