Serum Prolactin Concentrations Research Articles

Lactational exposure to Deoxynivalenol causes mammary gland injury via inducing inflammatory response and impairing blood-milk barrier integrity in mice

Lactation is a unique physiological process to produce and secrete milk. Deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure during lactation has been demonstrated to affect adversely the growth development of offspring. However, the effects and potential mechanism of DON on maternal mammary glands remain largely unknown. In this study, we found the length and area of mammary glands were significantly reduced after DON exposure on lactation day (LD) 7 and LD 21. RNA-seq analysis results showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in acute inflammatory response and HIF-1 signaling pathway, which led to an increase of myeloperoxidase activity and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, lactational DON exposure increased blood-milk barrier permeability by reducing the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, promoted cell apoptosis by upregulating the expression of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 and downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA. Additionally, lactational DON exposure significantly decreased serum concentration of prolactin, estrogen, progesterone. All these alterations eventually resulted in a decrease of β-casein expression on LD 7 and LD 21. In summary, our findings indicated that lactational exposure to DON caused lactation-related hormone disorder and mammary gland injury induced by inflammatory response and blood-milk barrier integrity impairment, ultimately resulting in lower production of β-casein.

The Combined Effects of Dietary Fat and Estrogen on Survival, 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-Induced Breast Cancer and Prolactin Metabolism in Rats

The relationships between dietary fact concentration (10 or 40% of energy), fat source (corn oil or beef tallow) and estrogen (control, ovariectomy or ovariectomy with estrogen replacement) to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast carcinogenesis and survival in rats were studied in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment. Female Sprague-Dawley rats given DMBA (2.5 mg/100 g body wt, intragastric) at 55 d of age were randomly allocated to three groups 48 h later: sham ovariectomy (control), overiectomy (OVX) or ovariectomy with a subcutaneous estrogen implant (OVX+E). Each group was subdivided into dietary groups fed 10 and 40% of energy as corn oil or beef tallow for 70 wk. OVX+E rats exhibited serum estrogen concentrations in excess of physiologic values. Survival at 70 wk for the 3 hormonal groups was control 51%, OVX 67% and OVX+E 13%. Mortality in controls was doubled by feeding a high fat diet; no diet effect was detected in OVX or OVX+E rats. Palpable tumors developed in 74, 14 and 60% of control, OVX and OVX+E rats, respectively. High fat diets approximately doubled the hazard of developing a palpable tumor. Adenocarcinoma prevalence was 58, 12 and 63% in control, OVX and OVX+E rats, respectively. The odds of having any tumor, and adenocarcinoma of an adenoma were multiplied by 3.6, 2.8 and 2.3, respectively, for rats fed high vs. low fat. Additional studies showed that diet had no effect on serum prolactin or estrogen concentrations or metabolism and clearance of intravenously administered radiolabeled prolactin. We demonstrated that high dietary fat concentration enhances breast carcinogenesis independently of cyclic ovarian function, although the presence of estrogen may be a prerequisite for significant dietary modulation. The effect of fat on breast cancer is not mediated by major changes in systemic prolactin metabolism.

Effects of short photoperiod on cashmere growth, hormone concentrations and hair follicle development-related gene expression in cashmere goats

ABSTRACT Shanbei White Cashmere goat is a typical goat species, the growth of cashmere is affected by photoperiod. To further investigate the effects of short photoperiod treatment on cashmere growth, hormone concentrations and hair follicle development-related gene expression in cashmere goats, twenty Shannbei white cashmere goats were selected and randomly divided into long-day photoperiod treatment group and short-day photoperiod treatment group. The results revealed the cashmere on short-day photoperiod treatment began to develop earlier, and its length and growth rate increased dramatically (P < 0.05). The short-day photoperiod treatment increased the concentration of serum Melatonin, reduced the concentration of serum prolactin, decreased the expression of estrogen receptor alpha and raised the expression of hair follicle development-related genes [catenin beta-1, Bone morphogenetic protein 2, Fibroblast growth factor 5 and platelet-derived growth factor subunit A] (P < 0.05), thereby accelerating the reconstruction of the secondary follicle, increasing the density of the secondary follicle (P < 0.05) and triggering the growth of cashmere goats. The present study provides new insights into the dynamic changes in cashmere growth, hormone concentrations and hair follicle development-related gene expression in cashmere goats under short photoperiod, and is expected to be useful for future studies on intensive feeding research.

Функционирование АВСВ1-белка при беременности

Objective. To study the functioning of ABCB1 protein in pregnancy, namely, to evaluate its amount in the organs that play a significant role in pharmacokinetics and its functional activity at the whole organism level. Materials and methods. The study was performed on 52 female rabbits divided into two groups. Serum concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and prolactin were determined in animals before the experiment and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of pregnancy by the radioimmunoassay method. In group 1, the amount of ABCB1 protein was assessed in the jejunum, liver, kidneys, and cerebral cortex at the indicated gestational ages by enzyme immunoassay. In group 2, the functional activity of ABCB1 protein was studied during the same periods by evaluating the pharmacokinetics of its marker substrate fexofenadine. Results. Elevated serum concentrations of progesterone were detected at all gestational ages. There was an increase in the amount of ABCB1 protein compared to non-pregnant animals in the jejunum on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, in the liver – on day 7 with a tendency to increase on day 14, in kidneys and large cerebral cortex – on day 28. Pharmacokinetic parameters of fexofenadine did not differ significantly from those of intact animals, except for elevated T1/2 values on day 14. The results indicate an increase in the amount of ABCB1 protein in the studied organs, which is leveled by a decrease in its activity, which is probably due to the effect of progesterone. Conclusion. The functioning of ABCB1 protein does not change throughout the gestational period; therefore, pharmacotherapy with ABCB1 protein substrates during pregnancy does not require dose adjustments. Key words: ABCB1 protein (P-glycoprotein, Pgp), activity, amount, pharmacotherapy during pregnancy, function

Prolactin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rhinoceroses – Another tool for assessing reproductive function and dysfunction in this taxon

For decades, progesterone and its metabolites have served as the primary biomarkers for monitoring reproductive activity in rhinoceroses, whereas protein hormones have received little attention despite their potential value in understanding reproductive function and dysfunction in this taxon. The goals of this study were to: 1) identify an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) effective in measuring rhinoceros serum prolactin, 2) generate representative prolactin data in male and female rhinoceroses in diverse reproductive states, and 3) characterize prolactin throughout pregnancy in a white rhinoceros that exhibited mid-gestation lactation. Our results indicated that an equine prolactin ELISA by CUSABIO® is effective in measuring serum prolactin concentrations in white, black and Sumatran rhinoceroses. Preliminary data suggested that prolactin is lowest in males and acyclic females, but also appeared low during post-partum lactation. In contrast, prolactin concentrations were elevated in pregnant females and moderate in sexually mature females experiencing reproductive cyclicity. Prolactin increased following conception and generally continued to rise throughout pregnancy in the one pregnant white rhinoceros profiled herein. Spikes and dips in prolactin and progesterone, respectively, were documented around the time of mid-gestation mammary development and colostrum production in this individual and may provide some clues into the physiological triggers of this newly described aberrant reproductive condition. In conclusion, we have identified a new tool for studying reproductive activity in rhinoceroses, generated preliminary data, and revealed an intriguing relationship between prolactin fluctuations and premature lactation. This work provides the foundation for larger, focused studies on the role of prolactin in this taxon.

Lower serum PRL is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become an epidemic worldwide and has been linked to a series of metabolic co-morbidities. Prolactin (PRL) has recently been found to have a negative effect on NAFLD, but a causal relationship is not well-understood. Here we investigated the causative relationship between PRL and NAFLD occurrence.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients without NAFLD who were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography undergone serum PRL testing at 8.00 a.m. at baseline, and followed up for a median of 32 (19, 46) months.ResultsThis study enrolled 355 persons [215 men and 140 women; media age 56 (49, 64) years], in which 72 (20.28%) patients who eventually developed NAFLD. Compared with those in the non-NAFLD group, basal serum PRL levels of patients were lower in the NAFLD group [male: 7.35 (5.48, 10.60) vs. 9.13 (6.92, 12.50) ug/L, P = 0.002; female: 5.66 (4.67, 9.03) vs. 9.01 (6.31, 11.60) ug/L, P = 0.009]. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly decreased along with the increased quartile of basal serum PRL levels in both genders (P < 0.05). Serum PRL concentration was independently associated with NAFLD development [male: OR, 0.881 (0.777, 0.998), P = 0.047; female: OR, 0.725 (0.554, 0.949), P = 0.019].ConclusionOur study is the first to find that basal serum PRL level can predict the occurrence of NAFLD and it may be a potential biomarker to prevent and treat NAFLD.

The effects of different physiologic concentrations of prolactin in association with reproductive hormones on the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BackgroundData is inconsistent and, for the most part, not sufficient to demonstrate the association between serum Prolactin (PRL) concentration within the physiologic range and the incidence rate of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) among men. Moreover, since both PRL and type 2 DM are associated with reproductive hormones, investigating these hormones might improve our understanding of how PRL might impose its effect on the incidence rate of type 2 DM.MethodsFor the present study, 652 eligible men aged 29–70 with a normal baseline PRL concentration were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Participants were sub-classified into three groups (tertiles) according to the serum concentration of PRL and were followed for 15.8 years. The incidence of type 2 DM and PRL, LH, FSH, testosterone, and AMH concentrations were measured. The effect of hormonal variables on the incidence of type 2 DM was estimated using the log-binomial model, adjusted for major confounding factors. The correlations between PRL and the indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism and other hormonal variables were also explored.ResultsIn the unadjusted model, PRL was not significantly associated with the incidence rate of type 2 DM (RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94 − 1.03). After adjusting for potential confounders, the inverse effect of AMH on the incidence rate of type 2 DM was the only significant association. The analyses also indicated a significant positive association between PRL and LH/FSH ratio (r = 0.1, P = 0.01).ConclusionNo significant association was found between serum PRL concentrations within the physiologic range and the incidence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus among middle-aged men. Men with higher concentrations of PRL within the physiologic range tended to show higher levels of LH and LH/FSH. AMH was the only variable significantly linked to the incidence rate of type 2 DM in men.

Conventional loose mineral with added red clover leaf (Trifolium pratense L.) reverses vasoconstriction associated with tall fescue toxicosis in steers

Endophyte-infected tall fescue (E + TF) can cause persistent vasoconstriction in ruminants and consequently fescue toxicosis. Legumes, including red clover (RC), contain isoflavones that are known hypotensive agents. Previous experiments have shown the benefits of overseeding RC or feeding other stored legumes on blood flow and growth performance of livestock challenged with E + TF; however, alternative supplementation strategies have not been explored. Therefore, the objective was to determine if low levels of RC in conventional loose mineral could mitigate fescue toxicosis symptoms. Mature, rumen fistulated steers (n = 12) received 1 of 4 mineral treatments (5 oz head d−1 or 141.8 g head d−1 dosed intraruminally; n = 3 steers per treatment): 1) 0% RC (w/w), 2) 10% RC, 3) 15% RC, or 4) 20% RC. All steers were first adapted to their basal diet (ad libitum corn silage + 2.27 kg dried distillers’ grains with solubles) for 14-days and then were subjected to a 14-day E + TF seed step-up challenge (day 0–7: 10 µg kg BW−1 ergovaline + ergovalanine [ERV]; day 8–14: 15 µg kg BW−1 ERV), followed by a 7-day withdrawal period. The caudal artery of each steer was imaged repeatedly over the course of the study using Doppler ultrasonography to monitor artery luminal areas (CAA). Jugular blood samples were serially collected to monitor serum prolactin concentrations. Data were analyzed by repeated measures using the mixed procedure of SAS with significance set at P < 0.05. A treatment by sample day interaction was detected for CAA (P = 0.0051) and prolactin (P = 0.0148). The E + TF seed challenge induced vasoconstriction (d1: −54.6%, d7: −26.8%, d14: −80.1%, relative to baseline) and prolactin depression (d7: −35.5%, d14: −83.3%, relative to baseline) in 0% RC steers (P < 0.05, in all cases). All three RC mineral treatments were effective at partially or fully alleviating vasoconstriction and prolactin depression with the 20% RC treatment being most effective on day 14 (CAA: 10% RC: +37.4%; 15% RC: +29.7%; 20% RC: +56.9%, prolactin: 10% RC: +125.3%; 15% RC: +132.1%; 20% RC: +149.2%, relative to 0% RC; P < 0.05, in all cases). All treatments fully recovered (above baseline) by the end of the withdrawal period (P < 0.05, in all cases). These results demonstrate that loose mineral amended with RC could be used to prevent the adverse effects of fescue toxicosis in E + TF grazing livestock. Additional experiments are required to determine the optimum isoflavone source and concentration required to mitigate fescue toxicosis.

Analysis of LH Receptor Expression in the Testes of Infertile Azoospermic Non-Obstructive (NOA) Men at High Serum Prolactin Concentrations

Analysis of LH Receptor Expression in the Testes of Infertile Azoospermic Non-Obstructive (NOA) Men at High Serum Prolactin Concentrations

Dietary supplementation with a mixture of herbal extracts during late gestation and lactation improves performance of sows and nursing piglets through regulation of maternal metabolism and transmission of antibodies.

The dietary inclusion of phytogenic feed additives to improve the performance and health of sows is considered to be safe, effective and environmentally friendly, thus gaining growing popularity among new strategies. This study was designed with three trials aimed to determine the effective supplemental levels of Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicera japonica mixed extracts (SLE) in sow diets based on production performance and explore its related mechanisms of action based on serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity, and immune profile of sows and nursing piglets. Trials 1 and 2 were conducted to determine the effective dose and ratio of SLE by supplementation of various proportions and doses of SLE to sows diets from the late pregnancy to weaning, with litter performance at farrowing and weaning and disease conditions being evaluated. Trial 3 was conducted to further explore the mechanisms of action of SLE as evaluated by serum immunity and antioxidants indices in late gestation and lactation sows. The results of trials 1 and 2 showed that dietary supplementation of 1.0 g/kg SLE (50% S. baicalensis extract, 30% L. japonica extract, and 20% wheat bran fiber as carrier) enhanced the number of piglets born alive, litter birth weight, litter weight gain, and average daily feed intake of sows during lactation, while decreased diarrhea of suckling piglets. In Trial 3, compared with the control group, dietary SLE supplementation increased (P < 0.05) sow serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), prolactin (PRL) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities at the farrowing, and increased (P < 0.05) sow serum prolactin, leptin, and insulin concentrations at d 14 of lactation. Fat concentrations in sow colostrum and in milk on day 14 of lactation, both IgA and IgG concentrations in colostrum, and both IL-10 and IgA concentrations in piglet serum at d 14 of lactation were all increased (P < 0.05) following dietary SLE supplementation. Altogether, dietary supplementation with the appropriate levels of SLE promoted health and growth of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of maternal metabolism and transmission of antibodies.

283 Quercetin Antagonizes Tall Fescue Toxicosis-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity in Lamb (Ovis Aries) via Modulating PGC-1α Mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Abstract Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with a higher antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory. Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort; E+] is perennial cool-season grass for grazing livestock in North America. Fescue infected with the endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) produces chemicals toxic to livestock. However, the impact of quercetin on alleviating fescue toxicosis has received only limited attention. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the mitigation effect of quercetin on fescue toxicosis-induced cardiotoxicity of lambs. A total number of 24 Dorper lambs were randomized to four groups (n = 6 per group) and grazed tall fescue seed for 42 days. The results indicated that quercetin treatment alleviated fescue toxicosis induced cardiovascular histopathology injury (Fig 1), inhibited the increased trend of creatine kinase activities, and serum prolactin concentrations (Fig 2). Meanwhile, quercetin mitigated fescue toxicosis-induced cardiovascular oxidative damage by decreasing MDA and H2O2 contents, increasing antioxidant enzymes (T-SOD, Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, and T-AOC) activities (Fig 3). Quercetin evidently enhanced fescue toxicosis-induced down-regulation of phase I, II, and II detoxification gene expression to relieve oxidative damage (Fig 4-6). Moreover, quercetin triggered the NF-kB signaling pathway to ameliorate fescue toxicosis-induced cardiovascular inflammation (Fig 7-9). Quercetin attenuated cardiac mitochondrial impaired via Parkin/PINK modulated mediated mitophagy and PGC1-α mediated biogenesis (Fig 10-13). Collectively, our findings demonstrated that quercetin explicated potential protection against fescue toxicosis-induced cardiovascular toxicity.

Nesfatin-1 as a potential marker for functional hypothalamic amenorrhea

Objective Nesfatin-1 plays an important role in regulating metabolism, appetite, gut motility, and eating behavior. It is suspected that abnormalities in nesfatin-1 secretion may be involved in the development of anorexia nervosa, and as such, this study aims to investigate the “circumstances of” nesfatin-1 in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). Materials and Methods One hundred and forty-seven patients with FHA were enrolled to the present study. A control group consisting of 88 healthy, age-matched subjects was used. Both study and control groups had blood samples drawn to establish baseline serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, fT4, morning cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, glucose, and insulin. Nesfatin-1 was also measured with the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Patients with FHA were found to have a significantly decreased concentration of serum nesfatin-1 when compared to healthy controls (6.21 ± 4.79 vs. 8.64 ± 6.63 respectively, p = 0.005). No statistically significant difference in nesfatin-1 levels was found between patients with normal and decreased BMI in the FHA group. Significant positive correlation was observed between serum nesfatin-1 concentration and 17-β-estradiol, while a significant negative correlation was observed between serum nesfatin-1 concentration and patient age, fasting glucose, and HDL levels. Conclusions This is the first known study to examine nesfatin-1 concentration in the context of clinical FHA. Patients with FHA were found to have decreased serum nesfatin-1 concentrations. This finding may prove instrumental in our future approach managing patients with FHA.

Intercorrelation of physiological seizure parameters and hormonal changes in electroconvulsive therapy

Objective Physiological parameters that predict electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectiveness may reflect propagation of the induced epileptic seizure. As an indication of seizure propagation to the diencephalon, we here examined the correlation between prolactin increase after ECT and clinical seizure evaluation parameters, focusing on peak heart rate. As a proxy for peripheral endocrine stress response, we examined the correlation to postictal cortisol increase. Methods Participants were consecutively recruited from clinical ECT patients (n = 131, age 18–85 years). The first ECT session in a series was examined. For each participant, blood serum concentrations of prolactin and cortisol were measured immediately before and within 30 min after the seizure. Physiological parameters were extracted from clinical records: peak heart rate (HR) during seizure, electroencephalography (EEG) seizure duration, and motor seizure duration. Correlations were calculated using non-parametric tests. Results Serum prolactin increased after ECT and correlated with peak HR, EEG seizure duration, and motor seizure duration. Peak HR during seizure also correlated positively with both EEG seizure duration and motor seizure duration. Correlations were unaffected by age, sex, baseline prolactin levels, antipsychotics, or beta-blocking agents. Serum cortisol increased after ECT but did not correlate with the seizure evaluation parameters, nor with prolactin concentrations. Conclusions Our findings of a positive correlation between peak HR and prolactin that was independent from the peripheral endocrine stress response might be in line with the idea that tachycardia during ECT seizures reflects seizure propagation to the diencephalon. This supports the practice of monitoring cardiovascular response for ECT seizure evaluation.

Influence of form of selenium supplementation and tall fescue endophyte toxicity on growth performance, serum parameters, and tissue masses of grazing beef steers.

To test the hypothesis that average daily gain (ADG) and clinical parameters of steers grazing novel non-toxic (NTE) or toxic KY-31 (TE) endophyte-infected tall fescue would be improved by ad libitum intake of vitamin‐mineral mixes (V-M) that contain 27 ppm Se as a 1:1 blend of SELPLEX:sodium selenite (MIX) vs. sodium selenite (ISe), 32 fescue-naïve beef steers partially depleted of Se were randomly assigned to ad libitum consumption ISe vs. MIX for 35 days and fed enough of a NTE/alfalfa/grain diet to achieve 0.57 kg BW gain/day. Then, within Se-form treatments, two steers were randomly assigned to each of four NTE (ISe = 316 ± 31 kg BW, MIX = 315 ± 22 kg BW) or TE (ISe = 316 ± 37 kg BW, MIX = 314 ± 39 kg BW) paddocks for 84 days and had ad libitum access to their respective V-M. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to assess effects of day, Se-form (ISe, MIX) and endophyte (NTE, TE) treatments, and their interactions. Whole blood Se decreased (P < 0.01) 31% from days 0 to 84 and was 6.2% greater (P < 0.01) for MIX steers. Serum prolactin decreased (P < 0.01) 18% for NTE and 48% for TE steers from days 0 to 84 and was 17% greater (P = 0.01) for MIX vs. ISe for TE steers. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity decreased (P < 0.02) 27% from days 0 to 84 and was 15% greater (P < 0.02) for MIX steers. Serum urea nitrogen increased (P < 0.02) 8.2% from days 0 to 84 for TE but not NTE steers. Average daily gain was less (P < 0.01) for steers grazing TE (−0.18 kg/day) compared with NTE (0.09 kg/d). Although there was increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity and increased serum prolactin for TE + MIX steers compared with TE + ISe steers, MIX supplementation was unable to increase serum prolactin concentrations or ADG to the same levels as steers grazing NTE. Longer adaptation to MIX supplementation ad libitum may be necessary for maximal Se assimilation to restore serum prolactin levels in steers grazing TE.

Effects of Heating, Pelleting, and Feed Matrix on Apparent Concentrations of Cereal Ergot Alkaloids in Relation to Growth Performance and Welfare Parameters of Backgrounding Beef Steers.

As the contamination of cereal grains with ergot has been increasing in Western Canada, studies were undertaken to evaluate the impacts of heating (60, 80, 120, or 190 °C) alone or in combination with pelleting on concentrations of ergot alkaloids. Fifteen samples of ergot-contaminated grain from Alberta and Saskatchewan were assayed for R and S epimers of six alkaloids (ergocryptine, ergocristine, ergocornine, ergometrine, ergosine, and ergotamine) using HPLC MS/MS. Five samples with distinct alkaloid profiles were then selected for heating and pelleting studies. Heating resulted in a linear increase (p < 0.05) of total R and total S epimers with increasing temperature, although some individual R epimers were stable (ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine). Pelleting also increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of total R and total S epimers detected, although ergometrine concentration decreased (p < 0.05) after pelleting. A feeding study arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial structure used 48 backgrounding Angus-cross steers fed four different diets: (1) Control Mash (CM, no added ergot), (2) Control Pellet (CP), (3) Ergot Mash (EM), or (4) Ergot Pellet (EP). Pelleting heated the ergot to 90–100 °C under 4 bars pressure, but the ergot used in the feeding study was not otherwise heated. Alkaloid concentrations of EM and EP varied by up to 1.1 mg/kg depending on the feed matrix assayed. No differences among treatments were noted for growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion, concentrations of serum prolactin and haptoglobin, hair cortisol, or in temperatures of extremities measured by infrared thermography. The only negative impacts of ergot alkaloids were on blood parameters indicative of reduced immune function or chronic inflammation. Pelleting did not heighten the negative clinical outcomes of ergot, although alkaloid concentrations of pelleted feed increased depending on the matrix assayed. It was hypothesized that the heat and pressure associated with pelleting may enhance the recovery of alkaloids from pelleted feed.

The Examination of the Influence of Caffeinated Coffee Consumption on the Concentrations of Serum Prolactin and Selected Parameters of the Oxidative-Antioxidant Balance in Young Adults: A Preliminary Report.

We verified whether caffeinated coffee consumption influenced the concentrations of prolactin (PRL) and oxidative stress parameters: total antioxidant status (TAS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), uric acid (UA), total bilirubin (T-Bil), albumin (ALB), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP)—in blood sera obtained at 15, 60, and 120 minutes after caffeinated coffee intake, in relation to the fasting point. The study participants were 33 young, healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (15 men, 18 women) aged 19-29 years. PRL concentrations significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after consumption, except at time point 15' in men (p > 0.05). In women, FRAP levels significantly increased over time, and significant changes were also observed for UA at 120' and ALB at 15'. In men, significant changes were found for levels of AOPP at 15', T-Bil and ALB at 15', iron at 60' and 120', and calcium at 120'. There were no significant differences in the levels of other examined parameters between the defined time points. In conclusion, the substances contained in caffeinated coffee decrease the level of prolactin and may also have an impact on selected parameters of oxidative stress, which could be the basis of future research focused on the identification of new therapeutic targets.

Clinical features of hyperprolactinemia in children: modern methods of diagnosis and treatment

Hyperprolactinemia is a common endocrine disease that can be associated with significant morbidity and disability in the population. A systematic review of literature sources on the diagnosis and treatment results in patients with hyperprolactinemia, including drug-resistant micro- and macroadenomas of the pituitary gland, was carried out in order to highlight the most significant practical recommendations. The purpose of this literature review is to provide algorithms for differential diagnosis and clinical observation of patients, to compare the efficacy and side effects of drugs, surgeries, and radiation therapy in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary adenomas in older children. Their share in the structure of pituitary adenomas is about 50 %. The clinical picture depends on the age, sex of the child, volume and characteristics of tumor growth. The leading clinical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia are disorders of the reproductive system, including signs of the development of secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, sexual dysfunction, psychoemotional disorders, and endocrine and metabolic disorders. The main criterion for the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia is the concentration of prolactin in the blood serum, which is above the upper limit of the physiological norm. The primary step in the treatment of patients with pituitary macroadenoma is to control the compression effects of the tumor, including compression of the optic chiasm, followed by restoration of gonadal function. The main areas of treatment for hyperprolactinemia are restoration and maintenance of the normal function of the gonads; restoration of fertility; prevention of osteoporosis. Dopamine receptor agonists are the gold standard in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. However, some people do not respond satisfactorily to these drugs. In this case, in the presence of pituitary tumors, in addition to drug treatment, surgery and radiation therapy are used. But surgery and radiation therapy are not the primary methods of choice for the management of patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas; first of all, preference is given to drug therapy. The prognosis of the course of prolactinomas is favorable and is based on the results of dynamic observation and the presence of markers of the aggressiveness of this adenoma.

Resolution of Visual Field Defect in Macroprolactinoma After Treatment With Cabergoline

We report the case of a 49-year-old woman presenting with amenorrhea and progressive visual field defect for one month. Endocrinological workup revealed a high concentration of serum prolactin, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed pituitary macroadenoma with extrasellar extension as well as compression of optic nerves. Treatment with a dopamine agonist, cabergoline, for eight weeks led to the resolution of the visual field defect accompanied by a rapid decrease in the serum prolactin level. Follow-up MRI three months after the initial diagnosis revealed alleviation of visible mechanical compression of the optic chiasm by the tumor. We considered that the absence of retinal nerve damage and prompt initiation of cabergoline contributed to the rapid recovery of the visual acuity.

Clinical utility of serum prolactin and lactate concentrations to differentiate epileptic seizures from non-epileptic attacks in the emergency room

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic utility of serum prolactin (PRL) and lactate (LAC) concentrations for patients presenting with either or both convulsions and transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) in the emergency room (ER). MethodsThis was a retrospective single-center study conducted in a tertiary care hospital ER. Medical records of consecutive patients who presented with convulsions or TLOC between January 2018 and December 2020 were reviewed. Patients with an ER diagnosis of epileptic seizures, psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES), and syncope were selected for analysis. Serum PRL and LAC concentrations were measured within 3 h of the event and compared between groups. ResultsAmong the 440 eligible patients, 173 (39.3%) were included for analysis. Serum PRL concentration was significantly higher in patients with epileptic seizures with convulsions than in those with PNES with convulsions (p < 0.001) and convulsive syncope (p = 0.023). Serum LAC concentration was not significantly elevated in patients with convulsive syncope. Using a PRL cut-off value of 24.0 ng/mL, serum PRL concentration had 100.0% sensitivity and 82.9% specificity for differentiating between PNES and other attacks without convulsions. ConclusionElevated serum PRL with normal serum LAC concentration in patients who have attacks with convulsions suggests convulsive syncope. Serum PRL concentration is useful in the diagnosis of PNES with convulsions. However, serum LAC concentration is not useful as a routine screening test for attacks without convulsions in the ER.

Prolactin acts in the pathway of photoperiod regulating the reproduction of the Striped Hamsters

To study the effects of prolactin (PRL) in pituitary on the reproduction of the Striped Hamsters via the photoperiods. Mature female striped hamsters were raised under various photoperiods to study the differential expression pattern of PRL in pituitary, and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary. Photoperiods affect the pituitary PRL mRNA level and pituitary, hypothalamus and ovaries PRLR mRNA levels in striped hamsters. Positive correlations of PRL mRNA expression in the pituitary with that of PRLR in hypothalamus and ovaries, and that of GnRH in hypothalamus were determined. The serum concentration of PRL, FSH, LH and GnRH were significantly different among the striped hamsters from different photoperiods. Serum concentration of PRL is positively correlated with that of FSH, LH and GnRH of the striped hamsters. Photoperiod was important environment factor modulating the expression profile of PRL and PRLR in the striped hamsters.