The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 1976 · 299 citations · 28 references
MedicineEndocrinologyPharmacologyNeuroendocrinologyNeuropharmacologyReproductive EndocrinologyHormone ReleaseHormone SecretionHypothalamic-pituitary RegulationPituitary Gland FunctionPituitary Hormone RegulationPituitary HormonesAnterior Pituitary Hormone SecretionDopamine Endocrine RegulationDopamine Inhibition Of ProlactinDopamine-mediated InhibitionDopaminergic ModulationHypothalamic Regulation Of ProlactinHypothalamic-pituitary-prolactin AxisProlactin Secretion Regulation
Dopamine, infused at a rate of 4 mug/kg/min for 3-4 h unaccompanied by any significant changes in cardiovascular dynamics, induced a prompt and sustained suppression of circulating prolactin (PRL) levels in normal men and women as well as in patients with hyperprolactinemia. At the discontinuation of the infusion, there was a marked rebound in PRL levels in normal subjects and a rapid return to basal levels in hyperprolactinemic patients. Dopamine infusion also induced a significant fall in LH levels in the normal subjects with a marked rebound in LH levels following the infusion. No significant changes in GH, TSH, and FSH levels were observed. These data indicate that in man a dopaminergic mechanism ixists in the regulation of PRL secretion and that dopamine also exerts an inhibitory effect of LH release.
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