Increased plasma prolactin levels induced in rats by d-fenfluramine: relation to central serotonergic stimulation

d-Fenfluramine (7.5 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) and quipazine (10 and 20 mg/kg i.p.) increased plasma prolactin levels in male rats. Metergoline (3 mg/kg p.o.) or p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg X 3, orally) pretreatment markedly blocked the prolactin-releasing effect of both d-fenfluramine and quipazine. This result suggests that the effect of these drugs on prolactin secretion could be mediated through a serotonergic mechanism. Brain serotonin may thus exert a stimulatory role on prolactin secretion in rats.