Prolactin and the control of gonadotrophin secretion in the female.

This paper presents a review of the literature concerning the interaction between prolactin and gonadotropin release. Although the role of dopamine in the control of gonadotropin secretion is very important, other agents are involved in prolactin secretion, such as serotonin, opiate receptor agonists, and estrogens. Around the time of ovulation there is a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and changes in serum levels of prolactin, possibly due to an increase in estrogen secretion during the preovulatory period. The increase in prolactin level is probably not directly involved in normal secretion of LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) at ovulation. A rise in prolactin may simply reflect a decrease in hypothalmic secretion of dopamine. High levels of prolactin during lactation inhibit gonadotropin secretion and result in amenorrhea. Lactational amenorrhea may be dependent on the suckling stimulus experienced at breast feeding, or on hyperprolactinemia. It seems that elevated prolactin levels are sufficient to cause anovulation by inhibiting LH and FSH secretion. The author conducted tests on hyperprolactinemic male adult rats and concluded that high prolactin levels may sensitize the hypothalamus to the negative feedback effects of gonadal steroids. Further studies are needed to clarify all phenomena related to prolactin secretion and its effects on alterations of LH and FSH secretion.

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