[The age-related characteristics of the dopaminergic regulation of prolactin secretion in men]

Age-specific time course of prolactin secretion and features of dopaminergic regulation of this hormone secretion were studied in boys aged 3 to 15 and in adult men aged 20 to 25. Blood plasma prolactin concentration was found reduced in boys, and this hormone level, characteristic for adults, sets up at the age of 9-11. Dopaminergic regulation of prolactin secretion undergoes three stages in boys: Stage 1--hyperreaction to introduction of a receptor antagonist at the age of 3 to 8, Stage 2--at the age of 9 to 11--reduced reaction to D2 receptor blocking, though this reaction being much higher than in adults, and Stage 3 (at the age of 12-15)--development of a normal reaction characteristic of adults.