PROLACTIN (PRL)
1. Since prolactin is secreted in a pulsatile manner and is also influenced by a variety of physiologic stimuli,it is recommended to test 3 specimens at 20-30 minute intervals after pooling. 2. Major circulating form of Prolactin is a nonglycosylated monomer, but several forms ofProlactin linked with immunoglobulin occur which can give falsely high Prolactin results. 3. Macroprolactin assay is recommended if prolactin levels are elevated, but signs andsymptoms of hyperprolactinemia are absent or pituitary imaging studies are normal Clinical Use:- * Diagnosis & management of pituitary adenomas * Differential diagnosis of male & female hypogonadism Increased Levels * Physiologic: Sleep, stress, postprandially, pain, coitus, pregnancy, nipple stimulation. * Systemic disorders: Chest wall or thoracic spinal cord lesions,Primary/Secondary hypothyroidism,Adrenal insufficiency,Chronic renal failure,Cirrhosis * Psychiatric medications like Phenothiazine, Haloperidol,Risperidone, Domperidone, Fluoexetine, Amitriptylene,MAO inhibitors etc. * Antihypertensives: Alphamethyldopa, Reserpine, Verapamil * Opiates: Heroin, Methadone, Morphine, Apomorphine * Oral contraceptives * Prolactin secreting pituitary tumors: Prolactinoma, Acromegaly * Miscellaneous: Polycystic ovarian disease, Epileptic seizures, Ectopic secretion of prolactin by non-pituitary tumors, pressure / transaction of pituitary stalk, macroprolactinemia Decreased levels * Pituitary deficiency: Pituitary necrosis / infarction* Bromocriptine administration * Pseudohypoparathyroidism Test performed by Instrument : Beckman coulter
