A study of serum prolactin and plasma human growth hormone in male alcoholics.

Serum levels of prolactin (PRL) and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) were assayed in 38 male alcoholics and 24 male control subjects using radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique. Biochemical parameters of hepatic function and severity of withdrawal state were also assessed. Significantly elevated values of plasma HGH were found in alcoholics as a group. Nineteen percent and eight percent of the patient had elevated serum PRL and HGH levels respectively. Evidence of advanced liver disease was scant and withdrawal symptoms were by and large mild. The findings indicate a dysfunction in hypothalamic adenohypophyseal axis in a subgroup of alcoholics.