Effects of metoclopramide and quipazine on serum prolactin concentrations in steers

The dopamine antagonist metoclopramide monohydrochloride (MC) and the serotonin agonist quipazine maleate (Q) were administered to steers by both the oral and intravenous (i.v.) routes. Dose-response studies were designed to determine the effects of these drugs on serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations. Parameters subjected to analysis included maximal serum PRL concentrations within 1 h and the areas under the PRL response curves over time. At 1, 4, and 8 mg/kg i.v., and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg orally, MC increased (P less than 0.05) serum PRL concentrations (difference between maximal and basal serum PRL concentrations) and increased (P less than 0.05) areas under the PRL response curves except for 1.0 mg/kg i.v. Doses of MC greater than 60 mg/kg and Q at all dosage rates were considered toxic. These studies determined a dose-response to MC in terms of serum PRL concentration and indicate that MC is well tolerated and effective for elevating serum PRL concentrations in steers. Furthermore, 4 mg/kg i.v. and 15 mg/kg orally could be considered the preferred dosage rates due to a plateau in the response above those rates.