Acute administration of bromocriptine abolishes the hyperprolactinemic response induced by submaximal exercise in man

The effective control of hypophysial prolactin (PRL) secretion with a pharmacological agent is a prerequisite for the investigation of the role of hyperprolactinemia observed during exercise. Using bromocriptine, a potent inhibitor of PRL secretion, this study established the proper experimental conditions whereby any significant increase in plasma PRL level can be prevented and basal circulating levels maintained during physical exercise. On three occasions at weekly intervals, 15 male adults, separated into two groups, exercised on an ergocycle (40 min at 65% VO2max) either 1 or 3 h after ingesting either placebo or 1.25 or 2.50 mg of bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel; Sandoz Canada Inc., Dorval, Qué.). Under all conditions, the plasma PRL elevation observed during exercise after placebo was prevented by the administration of bromocriptine. Resting plasma PRL levels were maintained when exercise was performed 1 h after bromocriptine ingestion, but were significantly reduced when exercise was performed 3 h after administration of either bromocriptine dosages. Considering the primary and secondary effects observed, 1.25 mg of bromocriptine administered 1 h before exercise provides suitable experimental conditions to investigate the role of the increase in plasma PRL during physical exercise.