Related Experiment Videos
Nerve growth factor and bromocriptine: a sequential therapy for human bromocriptine-resistant prolactinomas
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy.
British Journal of Cancer
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment restored sensitivity to bromocriptine in drug-resistant prolactinomas. This sequential therapy normalized prolactin levels and reduced tumor size, offering hope for resistant patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
Background:
- Prolactinomas are pituitary tumors often treated with dopamine agonists like bromocriptine.
- Some prolactinomas become resistant to bromocriptine, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies.
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a role in neuronal development and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in overcoming bromocriptine resistance in prolactinomas.
- To explore the mechanism by which NGF might restore sensitivity to dopamine D-2 receptor agonists.
Main Methods:
- Athymic mice with transplanted human bromocriptine-resistant prolactinoma were used as a model.
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) was administered to induce dopamine D-2 receptor expression.
- Subsequent treatment with bromocriptine was evaluated for its efficacy.
Main Results:
- NGF administration led to the expression of dopamine D-2 receptors within the prolactinoma tumors.
- Restored dopamine D-2 receptor expression re-sensitized the tumors to bromocriptine treatment.
- Bromocriptine treatment resulted in normalized plasma prolactin levels and significant tumor regression.
Conclusions:
- Sequential administration of NGF and bromocriptine is a promising therapeutic approach for bromocriptine-refractory prolactinomas.
- NGF can potentially reverse dopamine D-2 receptor downregulation in resistant prolactinoma cells.
- This strategy may offer a viable treatment option for patients unresponsive to current therapies.