Physiologic and pathologic profiles of circulating human prolactin

Lactation and the physiology of prolactin secretion

“…In contrast, several groups of workers have been unable to show consistent changes in prolactin levels during the cycle (Hwang et al, 1971;Tyson and Friesen, 1973;Jaffe et al, 1973;McNeilly, Evans and Chard, 1973;Ehara eta., 1973;McNeilly and Chard, 1974 (Ehara etal., 1973;McNeilly and Chard, 1974), and prolactin secretion appeared to occur in a spike-like manner, similar to that seen in normal male subjects (Mortimer et al, 1973;McNeilly and Hagen, 1974). In addition, no changes in prolactin levels occur when gonadotrophins are elevated in postmenopausal women (McNeilly, Ormston and Hall, unpublished observations), after clomiphene in normal men (Thorner et al, 1974) (Zarate et al, 1972), or galactorrhoea (Thorner et al, 1974) (Thorner et al, 1974a), indicating removal of a peripheral block to steroidogenesis.…”

“…But direct measurement of prolactin levels reveals a different picture. During pregnancy, circulating levels of prolactin show a gradual rise to reach a maximum at term (Tyson et al, 1972;Jaffe et al, 1973;Robyn et al, 1973;Evans, McNeilly and Chard, 1975). After delivery, prolactin levels fall but basal concentrations do not reach the non-pregnant range until at least 2 weeks post partum.…”

Stimulation and Inhibition With Lh and Other Hormones of Female Mammalian Meiosis in Vitro

“…Oocytes were immediately recovered from 3 to 5 mm follicles using the optical system already described. The incubation systems were the same as described above and harvests were made after 23 to 31 hr (i) or 45 to 48 hr (ii) previously shown (Jagiello, Ducayen, Miller, Lin & Fang, 1973) Goding, Bryant & Greenwood (1972) and Goding & co-authors (1973); for the monkey from Hotchkiss, Atkinson & Knobil (1971) and Yamaji, Peckham, Atkinson, Dierschke & Knobil (1973); for the cow from Nancarrow & co-authors (1973) and for the human from Gay, Midgley & Niswender (1970), Vande Wiele & co-authors (1970), Korenman & Sherman (1973), Shaaban & Klopper (1973), Snyder, Jaffe, Midgley & Bolte (1973), Jaffe, Yuen, Keye & Midgley (1973) and Fournier, Desjardins & Friesen (1974). Values for peripheral plasma levels were used or, when available, ovarian venous blood levels.…”

The psychobiology of premenstrual dysphoria: review of theories and treatments

“…The endocrine changes which occur after delivery are similar to those occurring premenstrually, and the absolute magnitude of hormonal changes is greatly exaggerated. When the post-partum blues occur (usually during the first week after childbirth), the PRL levels are still well above normal values, while the levels of progesterone and estrogen have dropped precipitously Jaffe et al, 1973). Post-partum mood change frequently occurs in women who also experience premenstrual dysphoria and mood elevations during pregnancy (Dalton,197 l).…”