Effect of dopaminergic agents on the endocrine profile in labor and early puerperium
Kubota, T.; Nagae, M.; Kamata, S.; Oohara, M.; Saito, M.; Kumasaka, T.; Yaoi, Y.
Nihon Sanka Fujinka Gakkai Zasshi 37(6): 945-954
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9165 PMID: 4020203 Document Number: 244588
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prolactin (PRL) releasing mechanism of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis during labor and early puerperium. Ten full-term gravidas during labor and 42 women in early puerperium were examined in this study. The plasma PRL levels rose significantly (p less than 0.001 approximately 0.05) after an intravenous bolus of 10mg metoclopramide (MCP). The peak values for PRL increase were 609.3 +/- 194.1ng/ml during labor and 447.0 +/- 62.3ng/ml in early puerperium. However, there were no significant differences in PRL response to MCP between these two groups. The plasma PRL levels dropped significantly (p less than 0.001 approximately 0.01) after an oral administration of 2.5mg bromocriptine (BRC), and the PRL release from the pituitary by MCP was suppressed significantly (p less than 0.001) by pretreatment with BRC in the puerperium. In addition, no significant changes in plasma 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and cortisol levels could be observed after MCP. We concluded that the control mechanism of PRL secretion remained unchanged during labor and early puerperium.