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Prolactin has a direct effect on adrenal androgen secretion
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Prolactin (PRL) enhances adrenal androgen secretion, specifically dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), by working synergistically with ACTH. This effect is observed in both women with hyperprolactinemia and in vitro adrenal cell cultures.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Steroidogenesis
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone primarily known for its role in lactation.
- The adrenal glands produce androgens, which are important for various physiological functions.
- The interplay between PRL and adrenal androgen production requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prolactin (PRL) in regulating androgen secretion from the adrenal glands.
- To determine if PRL directly influences adrenal androgen synthesis in vitro.
- To explore the in vivo correlation between PRL levels and adrenal androgens in women with hyperprolactinemia.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies involved analyzing serum hormone levels (PRL, DHEA-S, DHEA, androstenedione) in women with hyperprolactinemia and normal pituitary-adrenal function.
- Hormonal changes were assessed following long-term sulpiride administration and acute domperidone challenge in normal women.
- In vitro studies utilized monolayer cultures of human adrenal cells to examine the direct effects of PRL, with or without ACTH, on steroid secretion (DHEA-S, DHEA, androstenedione, cortisol).
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between serum PRL and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in women with hyperprolactinemia, but not androstenedione.
- Long-term sulpiride treatment increased both serum PRL and DHEA-S in normal women.
- In vitro, PRL potentiated ACTH-stimulated secretion of DHEA-S and DHEA, but not androstenedione or cortisol, in human adrenal cell cultures.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin exerts a direct synergistic effect with ACTH on adrenal cells, enhancing the release of adrenal androgens DHEA-S and DHEA.
- The observed correlations and in vitro findings suggest that PRL's influence on adrenal androgen secretion may involve partial inhibition of adrenal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
- These results highlight a novel role for PRL in modulating adrenal androgen production, potentially impacting reproductive health.