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

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Abstract
Nine hypopituitary children received human growth hormone and, subsequently, one or more prolactin compounds while ingesting a constant diet. Urinary N and Ca 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 N. None of 3 patients receiving porcine prolactin retained N. All patients retained more N 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 N or insulin sensitivity. Although certain prolactins have some N-retaining 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.

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