Effects of long-term bromocriptine treatment on catecholamine excretion and on circulatory adaptation to orthostasis and to exercise in patients with hyperprolactinemia.

Abstract

Sympatho-adrenally regulated mechanisms of the circulatory system have been studied in seven patients with hyperprolactinemia in order to evaluate the effects of long-term (1-3 months) treatment with bromocriptine. Before treatment catecholamine excretion was within the normal range. Blood volume was low and there was a marked heart rate reaction to orthostasis. ECG showed no abnormalities. Blood pressure and ECG reaction during exercise were normal. The blood pressure heart rate response to handgrip was less marked than in healthy young men. During bromocriptine treatment, serum prolactin levels normalized in all but one patient. Total catecholamine excretion was lowered. Body weight diminished. Resting heart rate and blood pressure fell significantly. Blood volume per kg body weight remained unchanged as did the orthostatic heart rate increase. The circulatory response to handgrip was less marked than before therapy. It seems that long-term bromocriptine therapy provokes a cardiovascular pattern reflecting an inhibition of sympatho-adrenal activity.