Prolactin secretion in kidney transplant patients

Abstract

In 27 male patients with a functioning kidney transplant and in 12 healthy male subjects plasma prolactin levels were estimated under baseline, inhibitory and stimulatory conditions, respectively. Kidney transplant patients (KTP) showed normal baseline plasma levels of prolactin, and a normal response of prolactinaemia to alpha-bromocriptine. In contrast, administration of chlorpromazine was followed by an exaggerated response of prolactin secretion in KTP as compared with normals. Type of immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporine A or azathioprine) did not influence significantly the plasma prolactin profile in KTP under either inhibitory or stimulatory conditions.