PROLACTIN RESPONSE TO METOCLOPRAMIDE AND CHLORPROMAZINE IN PRIMARY TESTICULAR FAILURE AND ISOLATED GONADOTROPHIN DEFICIENCY

Abstract

The PRL [prolactin] response to metoclopramide (MET) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) was measured in 17 patients with primary testicular failure and 8 patients with isolated gonadotropin deficiency (IGD). The responses were compared with those to TRH [thyrotropin releasing hormone]. Basal gonadotropins and peak responses to LHRH [luteinizing hormone releasing hormone] were increased in testicular failure and reduced in IGD. Basal PRL levels were normal in both groups of patients. When compared with controls, the PRL response to both MET and CPZ as well as to TRH was exaggerated in primary testicular failure; the responses were decreased in IGD. In both patient groups, as well as in the controls, the PRL response to MET exceeded that to TRH and CPZ. Alterations in the steroid milieu may be responsible for the exaggerated PRL response to MET, CPZ and TRH in primary testicular failure and the reduced response observed in IGD.