A normal ovulatory woman with hyperprolactinemia: presence of anti-prolactin autoantibody and the regulation of prolactin secretion

Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1992 Jun;126(6):497-500. doi: 10.1530/acta.0.1260497.

Abstract

We present the case of a normal ovulatory woman with marked hyperprolactinemia and no evidence of a pituitary adenoma on CT and MRI. Gel filtration studies showed that most immunoreactive PRL was eluted as 150K-170K macroprolactin. Anti-PRL autoantibody was detected and Scatchard analysis revealed a low-affinity (the association constant: 1.29 x 10(7) l/mol), high-capacity (the maximal binding capacity: 1174 micrograms/l) antibody. Dopamine had little suppressive effect on PRL levels and an antidopaminergic agent elicited an augmented response of PRL secretion. These results suggest that the presence of anti-PRL autoantibody may delay the clearance of PRL and/or may alter the central regulation of PRL secretion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Bromocriptine
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Dopamine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / immunology*
  • Hyperprolactinemia / physiopathology
  • Ovulation
  • Prolactin / metabolism*
  • Sulpiride
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Bromocriptine
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Sulpiride
  • Prolactin
  • Dopamine