[Pathogenetic role of prolactinemia in multiple sclerosis]

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• The role of endocrine factors, particularly prolactin, in MS pathogenesis is not fully understood.
• Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of MS, involving various lymphocyte populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between prolactin levels and lymphocyte populations in patients with multiple sclerosis.
• To explore the association between immuno-endocrine regulation and the exacerbation or development of MS.
• To examine specific MS patient groups, including those with galactorrhea-amenorrhea and postpartum/lactating women.

Main Methods:

• Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure prolactin levels in the blood.
• Rosette formation assays were employed to assess lymphocyte populations, including T lymphocytes and active/total rosettes.
• Patient cohorts included men and women with MS, women with persistent galactorrhea-amenorrhea, and postpartum/lactating women with MS.

Main Results:

• Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin) in MS patients was associated with a decreased T lymphocyte count.
• Hypoprolactinemia (low prolactin) in MS patients correlated with an impaired ratio of active to total T lymphocyte rosettes.
• A connection was observed between MS exacerbation/development and the state of immuno-endocrine regulation.

Conclusions:

• Prolactin levels significantly correlate with specific lymphocyte subpopulations in multiple sclerosis.
• Imbalances in prolactin may contribute to immune dysregulation observed in MS.
• Further research into immuno-endocrine regulation is warranted for understanding and potentially managing MS.