Deficient Prolactin Response to Parathyroid Hormone in Hypocalcemic and Normocalcemic Pseudohypoparathyroidism

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Abstract
The PRL [prolactin] response to the infusion of 8 U/kg BW [body weight] parathyroid extract (PTE) was studied in 3 children with pseudohypoparathyroidism type I (PHP), 3 patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and 8 epileptic children. PTE produced a clearcut increase of serum PRL in the epileptics and patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, but not in the children with PHP. Prolonged PTE administration (6 doses of 4 U/kg BW over 48 h) was also without effect on the low serum PRL levels in the 3 patients with PHP. These patients exhibited an isolated diminished PRL reserve to other potent PRL stimuli in the presence of intact function of the remainder of the anterior pituitary. The data suggest a pituitary receptor defect in patients with PHP in addition to disturbed renal and bone responses. One patient with normocalcemic PHP, seeming to be in the early stage of the disease, demonstrated the same distinct PRL deficiency as the other 2 patients with manifest PHP. The pituitary receptor defect may be an early sign and marker of PHP.