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Updated: May 29, 2026
Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome
Published on: April 2, 2018
[Biochemical diagnosis of monomeric hyperprolactinemia]
A Rivero Marcotegui1, A García-Calvo
1Servicio de Bioquímica, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. ariverom@cfnavarra.es
Background:
Prolactin can take several molecular forms of which the most biologically active is the monomeric form (PRLm). The presence of macroprolactin (MPRL) can give rise to a false diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia due to interference in the measuring procedure. The aim was to develop a protocol that enables diagnosis of monomeric hyperprolactinemia, which should also be complementary to the procedure for detecting MPRL.
Material And Methods:
The reference population for PRLm was made up of 122 healthy women and 140 healthy men, from whom blood was extracted for PRL quantification. Additionally, 49 hyperprolactinemic serums (33 women and 16 men) were collected. PRL was quantified in all the samples in an Immulite 2000. The detection of MPRL and PRLm was carried out following precipitation with polyetylenglicol (PEG). The result was confirmed by gelatin filtration chromatography. The reference values were obtained following the indications of the Expert Panel of the IFCC.
Results:
The PRLm reference values were 3,4 - 26,6 µg/L and 4,6 - 16,4 µg/L in women and men, respectively. In 57% of the 49 hyperprolactinemic patients the concentration of PRLm following PEG fell outside the previously obtained reference interval, confirming the presence of monomeric hyperprolactinemia.
Conclusions:
A protocol for quantifying PRLm has been developed and implemented. Obtaining PRLm reference values makes it possible to diagnose monomeric or active hyperprolactinemia in a complementary form to the identification of MPRL.
Insights
This study developed a new protocol to accurately diagnose monomeric hyperprolactinemia by quantifying prolactin monomer (PRLm). This method helps differentiate true active hyperprolactinemia from macroprolactin interference.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Prolactin exists in various molecular forms, with monomeric prolactin (PRLm) being the most biologically active.
- Macroprolactin (MPRL) can interfere with standard assays, leading to misdiagnosis of hyperprolactinemia.
- Accurate diagnosis requires distinguishing between active PRLm and interfering MPRL.
Purpose:
- To develop and validate a protocol for quantifying monomeric prolactin (PRLm).
- To establish reference values for PRLm in healthy men and women.
- To enable accurate diagnosis of monomeric hyperprolactinemia, complementary to MPRL detection.
Summary:
- A protocol using polyethelenglicol (PEG) precipitation was developed to quantify PRLm.
- Reference intervals for PRLm were established: 3.4–26.6 µg/L for women and 4.6–16.4 µg/L for men.
- In 57% of hyperprolactinemic patients, PRLm levels fell outside reference intervals, confirming active hyperprolactinemia.
Impact:
- Enables precise diagnosis of active hyperprolactinemia.
- Provides a complementary method for identifying macroprolactin (MPRL).
- Improves the accuracy of prolactin level interpretation in clinical practice.
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