Hyperprolactinemia Flashcards
What are the cells in the anterior pituitary responsible for secreting prolactin ?
The lactotrophs of the anterior pituitary.
What is the effect of prolactin on the alveolar cells of the breast in females?
During pregnancy spike in estrogen stimulate a spike in prolactin levels. which mediate division and enlargement of the alveolar cells of the breast due to lactogenesis.
High prolactin _____ testosterone level.
decreases
What is the effect of high prolactin on hypothalamus ?
It inhibits GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus leading to reduction in FSH and LH levels which in turn reduce estrogen level. This result in anovulation and amenorrhea in pregnant woman.
What is the hypothalamic mechanism of regulating prolactin levels in men and in non-pregnant woman?
It is done through complex interplay between two mechanisms:
1) by secreting dopamine also known as prolactin inhibiting factor which inhibit the secretion of prolactin.
2) Whereas, the TRH stimulate the lactophores to secrete prolactin.
What are the causes of hyperprolactinemia ?
- Physiological hyperprolactenaemia of pregnancy.
- Pituitary adenoma involving the lactophore cells.
- Hypothyroidism induced TRH hike causing hyperprolactenemia.
- hyperprolactenemia due to dopamine agonists induced disinhibition of lactophore cells.
- hypothalamic-pituitary vascular plexus damage
What are the symptoms of hyperprolactenemia in woman ?
Galactorrhea and anovulatory amenorrhea.
What are the symptoms of hyperprolactenemia in men ?
Gynecomastia and erectile dysfunction.
What are the dopamine agonists used to to treat hyper-prolactinemia ?
Bromocreptin and cabergoline.
