Plasma Prolactin Activity in Inappropriate Lactation. Issue 5768 (24th July 1971)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forsyth, Isabel A.; Besser, G. M.; Edwards, C. R. W.; Francis, Lynn; Myres, Rita P.
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 3:Issue 5768(1971)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 1971-07-24
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.3.5768.225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Using a bioassay dependent on the development of a lactogenic response in rabbit mammary tissue cultured in vitro, prolactin distinct from immunoreactive growth hormone has been found in the plasma of patients of both sexes with inappropriate lactation with and without evidence of pituitary tumours. It has also been found in one patient with primary hypothyroidism and galactorrhoea, and in another during chlorpromazine therapy, but not in nine patients with gynaecomastia without galactorrhoea. Plasma prolactin levels were examined in seven patients during oral glucose tolerance tests: no change occurred in the four patients with pituitary tumours, but the levels were suppressed in the three patients with normal pituitary fossae. Prolactin appears to be a distinct pituitary hormone in man, as in animals, and also to be aetiologically related to states of inappropriate lactation.