The effect of epileptiform discharges on neurohormonal release in epileptic patients with complex partial seizures

We compared the nocturnal plasma prolactin (PRL) and beta-endorphin (B-E) concentrations prior to and after sleep deprivation (SD) in eight epileptic patients with complex partial seizures. After the period of SD (1) the mean number of interictal epileptiform discharges and the mean plasma PRL levels showed a significant rise during light non-REM stages of sleep, and (2) mean nocturnal plasma PRL and B-E concentrations showed a moderate rise during the first few hours of sleep, significant only for plasma PRL. In a patient with multiple complex partial seizures during sleep, the levels of plasma PRL and B-E concentrations were closely related to ictal discharges. The data obtained in this stress-free environment suggest a centrally mediated interaction between the release of PRL and B-E, in relation to epileptic discharges.