Stimulation of Prolactin Secretion by Metoclopramide in the Rat

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Abstract
Metoclopramide, a procainamide derivative known to raise serum prolactin (PRL) levels in intact humans, produced a significant increase in serum PRL when administered i.p. to male rats. Direct application of metoclopramide to the isolated rat pituitary in a perifusion system did not increase prolactin release in vitro. In this system, dopamine inhibited prolactin secretion. Perifusion with both metoclopramide and dopamine blocked the inhibitory effect of dopamine on prolactin release. Metoclopramide may have promoted PRL secretion by antagonism of dopamine-mediated CNS-dependent mechanisms. Although metoclopramide had no effect on serum growth hormone in the intact rat, the drug antagonized the growth hormone-inhibiting action of dopamine in vitro.

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