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Prolactin secretion following repetitive seizures
D E Malkowicz1, A Legido, R A Jackel
1Department of Neurology, Mid-Atlantic Regional Epilepsy Center, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
Neurology
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Serum prolactin levels after seizures depend on the seizure-free interval. Longer intervals between seizures result in higher prolactin responses, suggesting prolactin depletion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Postictal serum prolactin elevation is a recognized phenomenon following seizures.
- The factors influencing the magnitude of this prolactin response remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the seizure-free interval and postictal serum prolactin levels.
- To determine if the duration of the seizure-free interval impacts the neuroendocrine response to seizures.
Main Methods:
- Serum prolactin levels were measured in eight subjects following 24 temporal or frontal partial seizures.
- Video-electroencephalography (EEG) intracranial monitoring was used to confirm seizure characteristics.
- Seizures were categorized based on the preceding seizure-free interval (short vs. long).
Main Results:
- Seizures occurring after longer seizure-free intervals (31.75–240 hours) demonstrated significantly robust prolactin elevations.
- Seizures following shorter seizure-free intervals (1.07–25.42 hours) exhibited reduced prolactin responses.
- Seizure type, focus, and duration did not significantly differ between seizures with varying prolactin responses.
Conclusions:
- The magnitude of postictal serum prolactin elevation is influenced by the length of the preceding seizure-free interval.
- Prolactin release appears to be limited, potentially depleted by recurrent seizures or subject to feedback inhibition.
- Seizure-free interval duration is a critical factor to consider when interpreting serum prolactin levels in epilepsy patients.