THE DYNAMICS OF PROLACTIN SECRETION DURING THE PUERPERIUM IN WOMEN

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Abstract
Serum prolactin [PRL] concentrations during various conditions in the early puerperium are studied in an attempt to investigate some characteristics of the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of the lactotrophes. In nursing, in non-nursing, non-medicated and in non-nursing, bromocriptine-treated women prolactin and 17.beta.-estradiol were measured during the early puerperium. In the 1st and the 3rd group this was repeated during and after challenge with estradiol benzoate. The pituitary responsiveness to TRH was also determined in these 2 groups, challenged and unchallenged with estradiol benzoate. Nursing women had higher PRL levels than the non-nursing groups, while bromocriptine decreased PRL to very low levels. Non-nursing non-medicated women had PRL values between those of nursing and those of bromocriptine-treated mothers. The already elevated PRL levels in nursing women were not influenced by chronic estradiol administration. In non-nursing puerperal women treated with bromocriptine, exogenous estradiol caused a significant rise in plasma PRL. The PRL response to TRH in nursing women was clearly reduced in comparison with the normal menstrual cycle. In the bromocriptine-treated group the basal concentration of PRL and its response to TRH stimulation was similar to normal non-pregnant women. In nursing and in non-nursing women treated with bromocriptine PRL responses to TRH were increased after estradiol challenge.

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