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Corpus luteum function in early pregnancy following ovulation induction with bromocriptine
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|December 1, 1977
Summary
Hyperprolactinemia in early pregnancy, even after bromocriptine cessation, significantly elevates prolactin levels. This impacts corpus luteum function and may affect placental progesterone production.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia is associated with infertility and pregnancy complications.
- Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist used to treat hyperprolactinemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prolactin levels and hormone excretion during early pregnancy in hyperprolactinaemic subjects treated with bromocriptine.
- To assess the impact of elevated prolactin on corpus luteum function and early placental function.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of serum prolactin, urinary oestrogen, and pregnanediol levels.
- Monitoring 12 hyperprolactinaemic subjects who conceived during bromocriptine treatment.
Main Results:
- Prolactin levels, suppressed during bromocriptine treatment, rose significantly post-cessation, exceeding normal pregnancy levels by 8 weeks gestation.
- Urinary pregnanediol excretion decreased significantly between 11 to 14 weeks gestation compared to normal pregnancy.
- Oestrogen excretion remained initially normal.
Conclusions:
- Elevated prolactin levels in early pregnancy negatively affect corpus luteum function.
- Prolactin may influence placental progesterone production, persisting until at least 14 weeks gestation.