[Dynamic evaluation of prolactin secretion in acromegaly (author's transl)]

The basal PRL levels and after estimulation with synthetic TRH were evaluated in 12 patients with active acromegaly, and in 12 normal individuals. None of the patients had galactorrhea and 5 of them had tumoral supra-sellar extension. Basal hyperprolactinemia was detected in 66% of the patients. After TRH stimulation, only 4 patients exhibited a percentual increment greater than 100% over the PRL basal value. PRL response to TRH was negative in 8 patients. The high PRL levels can be explained by the parallel production of GH and PRL by the tumoral cells, nevertheless a disturbance of the normal hypothalamic control cannot be excluded.