Prolactin releasing activity in serum of pregnant women and patients with galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome
Takahashi, K.; Ikeno, N.; Minato, K.; Fukaya, T.; Momono, K.; Hoshiai, H.; Furuhashi, N.
Nihon Sanka Fujinka Gakkai Zasshi 34(9): 1479-1486
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9165 PMID: 7130769 Document Number: 194525
Serum samples obtained from 18 normal men and women, 24 pregnant women in the 3rd trimester and 8 patients with galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome (GAS) were subjected to a 3-phase methanol extraction. The serum extract released prolactin (PRL) specifically from rat anterior pituitary in vitro. The PRL releasing activity (PRA) was dependent on the incubation time and dose of serum extract, while independent on TRH or PRL in serum. The mean PRA in serum of pregnant women was significantly (P < 0.02) higher than that of normal subjects. The mean PRA in serum of GAS was significantly higher than in pregnant women (P < 0.05) and in normal subjects (P < 0.001). When the individual PRL levels were compared to the PRA in samples from pregnant women and normal subjects, a significant (P < 0.02) positive correlation evolved. A PRL releasing substance(s) distinct from TRH is (are) present in serum and has (have) a relationship to the PRL concentration in normal and late pregnancy states.