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Sleep-wake differences in serum prolactin levels in children

A Polleri, P Masturzo, G Vignola

    Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
    |October 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Hormone Research

    Background:

    • Prolactin serum levels exhibit diurnal variations.
    • Understanding these variations in children is crucial for growth and development studies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate sleep-wake differences in serum prolactin levels in prepubertal children.
    • To determine the age at which sleep-associated prolactin elevation emerges.

    Main Methods:

    • Serum prolactin levels were measured in 47 prepubertal children (ages 1-12 years).
    • Blood samples were collected during both wakefulness and sleep for each child.
    • Statistical analysis was performed to compare prolactin levels between sleep and wake states across different age groups.

    Main Results:

    • Serum prolactin levels were significantly higher during sleep compared to wakefulness (p > 0.01).
    • This sleep-related increase in prolactin was observed even in the youngest age group (1-2 years).
    • No significant sex-based differences were found in absolute prolactin levels or sleep-wake changes.

    Conclusions:

    • A sleep-connected rise in prolactin levels is evident very early in childhood.
    • Sleep significantly influences prolactin secretion in prepubertal children, irrespective of sex.
    • These findings contribute to understanding early childhood endocrine development and sleep physiology.

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