Reduction in Size of a Pituitary Tumor by Bromocriptine Therapy

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Abstract
SINCE the development of specific assays for prolactin1 , 2 it has been possible to demonstrate that a large proportion of pituitary tumors secrete prolactin.3 Until the advent of bromocriptine, operation and irradiation had been used as the primary treatments for such tumors.4 The introduction of bromocriptine, an ergot derivative5 and dopamine agonist,6 into therapeutic regimens for pituitary disease is recent and is still being evaluated. It is a potent inhibitor of prolactin secretion. Acting primarily at the level of the pituitary,7 but with a possible hypothalamic effect not yet excluded,8 it lowers prolactin secretion in patients with hyperprolactinemia from any cause, . . .