The determination of prolactin is utilized in the diagnosis of anovular cycles, hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea and galactorrhea, gynecomastia, azoo-spermia and impotence. Prolactin is also determined when breast cancer and pituitary tumours are suspected.
No known common methodological interferences. When determining prolactin it should be remembered that the measured concentration is dependent upon when the blood sample was taken, since the secretion of prolactin occurs in episodes and is also subject to a 24-hour cycle. The release of prolactin is promoted physiologically by suckling and stress. In addition, elevated serum prolactin concentrations are caused by a number of pharmaceuticals (e.g. dibenzodiazepines, phenothiazine), TRH and estrogen. The release of prolactin is inhibited by dopamine, L-dopa and ergotamine derivatives. A number of publications report the presence of macroprolactin in the serum of female patients with various endocrinological diseases or during pregnancy. In case of implausible high prolactin values a precipitation by polyethylene glycol (PEG) is undertaken in order to distinguish the amount of the biological active monomeric prolactin from other complexed forms (Macroprolactin).
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