Comparative Effect of Animal Prolactins and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in Hypopituitary Children

Abstract

Nine hypopituitary children received human growth hormone and, subsequently, one or more prolactin compounds while ingesting a constant diet. Urinary nitrogen and calcium were measured during these periods and during control periods. Five of 6 patients receiving ovine prolactin and 4 of 4 patients receiving bovine prolactin retained nitrogen. None of 3 patients receiving porcine prolactin retained nitrogen. All patients retained more nitrogen while receiving 5 mg of HGH than while receiving 50 mg of prolactin/day. The hypercalciuria described by others in patients receiving prolactin was observed in only 1 of 9 patients. There was no significant effect exerted by prolactins on the serum urea nitrogen or insulin sensitivity. Although certain prolactins have some nitrogenretaining effect, the response was variable from patient to patient and it is concluded that animal prolactins are of limited value as human growth hormone substitutes. However, further studies are necessary to determine their effect when given in larger doses than those used in this study or when used as adjuncts with growth hormone.