Age-related differences in the serum prolactin response during standardized surgery

The aim with the present study was to assess possible age-related differences in the serum prolactin, cortisol and blood glucose responses to standardized surgical stress in humans. Relatively healthy men suffering from inguinal hernias were selected. The subjects were divided into a group of younger people (M=36.4 years, r=23-45, n=7) and one of older people (M=66.5 years, r=56-75, n=9). Surgery was carried out under general anesthesia. Blood was drawn before, during and following the operation. Blood pressure and pulse rate were also monitored. No differences were noticed in plasma prolactin, cortisol, and blood glucose during basal conditions. Even though plasma prolactin increased significantly in both groups during surgery, it was higher in the younger group (M=56.2 micrograms/1) as compared with 28.7 micrograms/l for the older group, p less than .01. Plasma prolactin during surgery, but not under basal conditions, correlated inversely with age. No differences between groups were found during surgery in blood glucose and serum cortisol. This study indicates a diminished stress response in older subjects, possibly due to age-related neuroendocrine changes.