Pituitary production of prolactin and prolactin-suppressing drugs

Abstract

Prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary is mediated via dopaminergic pathways. Any process that alters dopamine production or transport in the central nervous system may lead to hyperprolactinemia. Most cases of hyperprolactinemia are due to prolactin secreting pituitary tumors or to medications which alter dopamine production. Prolactinomas cause amenorrhea, galactorrhea and infertility in women and impotence and neurological deficits in men. Dopamine receptor agonists are the mainstay of therapy for hyperprolactinemia as they rapidly lower serum prolactin and cause tumor shrinkage. In this paper we review the regulation of prolactin secretion, the clinical features and causes of hyperprolactinemia, and the use of dopamine agonists.