Inhibition by Apomorphine of Prolactin Secretion in Patients with Elevated Serum Prolactin

Abstract

Apomorphine caused significant depression in prolactin (hPRL) in each of 6 patients with elevated serum levels, including 4 with hPRL-secreting tumors. A parallel rise in growth hormone (hGH) occurred in 5 of the 6 subjects. These results suggest that: i) a dopaminergic mechanism regulates hPRL and hGH secretion; and ii) that abnormal hPRL secretory states remain responsive to dopaminergic control.