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Changes in circadian rhythm of prolactin in short children are dependent on growth hormone secretion

Renata Stawerska1, Joanna Smyczyńska2, Maciej Hilczer1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Medical University, Lodz, Poland.

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM
|June 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone deficiency in children significantly impacts prolactin secretion patterns, particularly blunting the crucial nocturnal rise. Lower growth hormone levels correlate with more pronounced disruptions in prolactin rhythms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology
  • Hormone Physiology

Background:

  • Prolactin (Prl) and growth hormone (GH) share a common ontogenic origin.
  • Circadian rhythms of hormones are crucial for physiological regulation.
  • Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can affect other pituitary hormone functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the prolactin (Prl) circadian pattern in children with varying degrees of growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
  • To investigate the relationship between growth hormone secretion and prolactin rhythmicity.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 100 short children diagnosed with multiple hormone deficiency (MPHD), severe isolated GHD (SIGHD), partial isolated GHD (PIGHD), or idiopathic short stature (ISS).
  • Assessed maximal GH secretion (GHmax) via stimulating tests.
  • Performed non-inferential chronobiometry of circadian Prl rhythm by measuring serum Prl every 3 hours over 24 hours, estimating parameters like mesor, AUC, and nocturnal/diurnal concentrations.

Main Results:

  • Positive correlations were found between GHmax and nocturnal Prl concentrations (02:00, 05:00), as well as with mesor, amplitude, mean nocturnal concentration, night/day ratio, and AUC.
  • The nocturnal rise of Prl secretion was blunted in all MPHD and 50% of SIGHD children.
  • Circadian Prl rhythm was largely normal in children with PIGHD and ISS.

Conclusions:

  • Lower growth hormone levels in short children are associated with a more blunted nocturnal prolactin secretion.
  • The circadian Prl rhythm is disturbed, characterized by reduced nocturnal secretion, in the majority of MPHD and SIGHD children, but not typically in PIGHD or ISS.
Abstract

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