THE SULPIRIDE TEST IN PANHYPOPITUITARISM

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Abstract
The results obtained with a new test of prolactin (PRL) release in 6 panhypopituitary patients as compared to 14 normal subjects (8 females and 6 males) are presented. The test consists of the i.m. administration of 100 mg of sulpiride and the measurement of plasma PRL by a double antibody radioimmunoassay techniques at -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min. Mean baseline PRL values were not significantly different in the 3 groups. After sulpiride a 800-4200% increment of prolactin over control values was noted in the females and 1200-3500% increment in the males. The peak values were obtained at 15 or 30 min (6030 .+-. 670 mu[milliunits]/1 .+-. SEM [standard error of the mean] in the females and 5550 .+-. 870 mu/l in the males). The mean values were not significantly different in the 2 sexes until the 60th min but were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the female thereafter. In the hypopituitary patients a complete failure to response was noted. The sulpiride test possesses a considerable potential as a screening procedure in the diagnosis of pituitary insufficiency.

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