Effects of Bromocriptine Administration to Pregnant Rabbits upon Fetal Lung Maturation

The Role of Prolactin in Fetal Lung Maturation

“…52 Likewise, Van Petten and Bridges 53 found no effect of prolactin injected into rabbit fetuses on lung physiological parameters, specifically on the lung pressure-volume relationship. In contrast, Giussi et al 54 have reported that bromocriptine administered to pregnant rabbits decreased the secretion of surfactant phospholipid by the fetal lung. Bromocriptine decreases fetal prolactin secretion; therefore, these results suggest that endogenous fetal prolactin regulates lung development.…”

“…Bromocriptine decreases fetal prolactin secretion; therefore, these results suggest that endogenous fetal prolactin regulates lung development. 54 Thus, the result of in vivo animal studies concerning the direct effects of prolactin, administered alone, on lung development remain controversial.…”