A case of hyperprolactinemic anovulation with amenorrhea and galactorrhea, due to Phenothizine derivative (Majeptil) is presented. Treatment with bromocriptine, 2.5 mg b.i.d., p.o., or L-Dopa, 500 mg, p.o., did not suppress serum prolactin and menstrual cycle was not resumed. Pituitary prolactin response to TRH and Pituitary LH and FSH response to LHRH were found to be normal. It seems that at the dose used, bromocriptine (a dopaminergic agonist) cannot counteract the phenothiazine induced hyperprolactinemia. Hence, it is not effective in induction of ovulation while the patient is under phenothiazine treatment.

Serum prolactin values in normal pregnant women showed a progressive increase from a mean value of 50 ng/ml in the 12th week to 270 ng/ml at term, with the range at term being 100-600 ng/ml. There was a fairly good correlation (r = 0.7) between the values of 24-hour urine estriol in 138 determinations and in the serum prolactin in 133 pregnant women. The regression lines of serum hPRL values with time of gestation in cases of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and diabetes mellitus were less steep than those seen in normal pregnancy. The serum hPRL value of patients with preeclamptic toxemia, latent diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, or multiple pregnancies were found not to differ significantly from the values observed in normal pregnancy. The results indicate that prolactin determinations in pathologic pregnancies are not useful as an aid in their evaluation.

SummaryBaromocriptine (2 bromo‐α‐ergocryptine), stilboestrol, clomiphene citrate, testosterone propionate and a placebo were given to 75 postpartum women for the suppression of puerperal lactation. An additional 15 women who breast‐fed their babies served as a control group. Blood samples were taken for the determination of serum prolactin levels by a specific homologous double antibody radioimmuno‐assay. Concurrently, the clinical effectiveness of the various treatments was assessed. High levels of prolactin were found at the time of delivery. Bromocriptine effectively reduced serum prolactin and prevented lactation; stilboestrol increased serum prolactin and partially suppressed lactation; clomiphene citrate and testosterone propionate both lowered serum prolactin levels and partially suppressed lactation. The placebo showed almost no effect on serum prolactin. It appeared that bromocriptine was the drug of choice in the suppression of puerperal lactation.