Prolactin Has a Direct Effect on Adrenal Androgen Secretion

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Abstract
The role of PRL [prolactin] in the secretion of androgens by the adrenal glands was investigated in vivo and in vitro. In women with hyperprolactinemia whose pituitary-adrenal function was normal, there was significant correlation between serum PRL and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) .gamma. = 0.48, P < 0.05, n = 34], and DHEA (.gamma. = 0.50, P < 0.05, n = 34) but not with androstenedione. Longterm administration of sulpiride to normal women increased both serum PRL and DHEA-S, whereas acute elevation of PRL after a single i.v. dose of domperidone had no influence on the serum DHEA-S levels. Monolayer cultures of human adrenal cells were used in order to study the direct effect of PRL on adrenal androgen secretion. The daily secretion of DHEA-S, DHEA, androstenedione and cortisol was determined. In the absence of ACTH, PRL had no effect on steroid secretion in a 7-day culture period. In the presence of ACTH, there was a daily increase in the secretion of steroids. PRL, when added in combination with ACTH, potentiated the effect of ACTH on DHEA-S and DHEA but not on androstenedione and cortisol secretion on the 7th day in culture. PRL apparently has a direct synergistic effect with ACTH on adrenal cells to increase adrenal androgen release. Increases in DHEA-S and DHEA but not androstenedione in vitro and correlation between serum PRL and DHEA-S and DHEA but not androstenedione in women with hyperprolactinemia suggest that the synergistic effect of PRL on adrenal androgen secretion may result from partial inhibition of adrenal 3.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.