EFFECT OF PROLACTIN ON PLASMA DHEA(S) LEVELS

Abstract
Plasma DHEA [dehydroepiandrosterone] and DHEA-S [dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate] levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in women with elevated prolactin levels, due either to chronic treatment with psychotropic drugs or to a prolactinoma, than in untreated controls. This increase was also observed in 3 male patients with prolactinoma. This increase may be the consequence of a direct effect of prolactin on the adrenal cortex and prolactin might be responsible for the ACTH independent adrenocortical androgen secretion.