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Differential Diagnosis and Management of Hyperprolactinemia

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Diseases of the Pituitary

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE,volume 3))

Abstract

Hyperprolactinemia is a common pituitary disorder and a leading cause of reproductive dysfunction in females. Unlike other hormones from the anterior pituitary, which are stimulated by hypothalamic releasing factors, prolactin (PRL) secretion is under inhibitory control. Dopamine produced by tuberoinfundibular neurons is the major factor controlling PRL synthesis and release (1). Prolactin is secreted episodically with a marked increase after the onset of sleep and a peak around 5:00–7:00 AM (2). Serum levels are usually <20 ng/mL in females and <10 ng/mL in males and higher levels in females are due to the effects of estrogen on PRL gene expression (3). In animals, PRL plays a role in the regulation of salt and water balance, has prominent behavioral effects, and is involved in regulation of the immune response.

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Authors
  1. Janet A. Schlechte MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA

    Margaret E. Wierman MD

  2. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA

    Margaret E. Wierman MD

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© 1997 Humana Press Inc.

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Schlechte, J.A. (1997). Differential Diagnosis and Management of Hyperprolactinemia. In: Wierman, M.E. (eds) Diseases of the Pituitary. Contemporary Endocrinology, vol 3. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3954-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3954-3_4

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-8438-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-3954-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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