EFFECT OF ERGONOVINE ON PROLACTIN SECRETION AND MILK LET-DOWN

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (2) , 228-229
Abstract
The effect of ergonovine maleate on prolactin secretion and lactation was determined in 10 puerperal women. Serum prolactin concentration measured by radioimmunoassay resulted in 537.2 .+-. 45.9 ng/ml (M [mean] .+-. SE) before the oral administration of 0.6 mg ergonovine maleate, and 89.7 .+-. 25.6 ng/ml after 7 days of therapy. The serum prolactin concentration seen in the control group of nonlactating women (562.0 .+-. 281.0 .+-. 27.3 ng/ml) was significantly greater than (P < 0.01) that seen in the treated group. In 2 additional patients the simultaneous administration of ergonovine by oral and i.v. routes potentiated the suppressive effect on prolactin secretion. Three of the 10 treated women showed progressive inhibition of lactation. This study shows that ergonovine maleate interferes with prolactin secretion, and may decrease milk production.

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