NYCTOHEMERAL PATTERN OF SERUM LH, FSH AND PRL IN PATIENTS WITH MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY

Abstract
The nyctohemeral pattern of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH and prolactin (PRL) in 8 patients with myotonic dystrophy (MD) was studied [in order to study hypogonadism, a common abnormality in MD]. Gonadotropin patterns were classified as adult, pubertal or infantile. Six patients showed an adult pattern, while 2 had a pubertal or infantile pattern. A normal pattern of PRL secretion was found in 7 patients and a blunted sleep-related hormonal increase was observed in 1. Impaired hypothalamic control of pituitary secretion in MD is proposed as the cause for these findings.

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