PROLACTIN ACTIVITY BEFORE AND AFTER LH-RH- IN PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY

Abstract

During the 1st month of life basal plasma gonadotropins are higher than in the following 4 years (1). In female newborns episodic LH-secretion can be assumed. In this study suitability of LH-RH-testing in precocious puberty in early childhood was investigated. We studied 14 girls, aged 5 mths till 13 years, under suspicion of disturbed puberty or with stated diagnosis. The 2 oldest girls were on cyproterone acetate (CPA) therapy. They could be studied twice using different doses of CPA. Results: Reduced sensitivity up to 4 years was found on testing with 25 ug LH-i4H i.v. at different basal gonadotropin levels. In the youngest girls we found highest values for prolactin before and during LH-RH (541U/ml). The 2 oldest girls on CPA therapy showed low basal levels for their age, modest stimulation of LH and FSH (LHtas 53, max 214ng/ml; FSHbas191, max 304 ng/ml) and no change of prolactin. The younger untreated girls showed greatest sensitivity (LHbas 21, max 196 ng/ml; FSHbas 170, max 867 ng/ml). Our results suggest that it is advisable to include prolactin determinations in LH-RH-tests. Success of therapy seems to depend on inhibition of gonadotropin as well as prolactin release. Involution of the precociously enhanced activity of the gonadostat probably will take place along with low prolactin activity.(1) Faiman C.: Int. Symp. Sexual. Endocr. Perinatal Period, INSERM 1974, Vol.32, pp. 281–288.+ Supp. by DFG; SFB 87, Proj. B7 und B1.