European Journal of Endocrinology · 1982 · 20 citations · 0 references
MedicineEndocrinologyPharmacologyGeriatric PharmacologyNeuroendocrinologySleep MedicineEndocrine DiseaseEndocrine DisordersEndocrine PharmacologyHormone SecretionPituitary Gland FunctionPituitary HormonesElderly PopulationHormonal Aging EffectsPituitary AgingPituitary Axis AgingPituitary Endocrine DisordersPituitary Hormone PharmacologyProlactin Secretion RegulationSleep-dependent Hormone Secretion
Prl secretion was evaluated in 76 elderly patients (71-86z years) without endocrine disorders (38 men and 38 women) in basal conditions, after TRH, sulpiride and levodopa administration and during a 24 h period. An impaired Prl response to the administered drugs was found in the elderly women but not in the men. On the contrary, normal sleep-related serum Prl changes were found in the majority of the subjects studied. These results suggest that the pituitary gland can maintain a good Prl secretory pattern in the elderly.