Induced human gestational hypoprolactinemia: lack of action on fetal adrenal androgen synthesis.

To investigate the possible role of PRL in the control of fetal adrenal function, blood samples were collected from maternal peripheral and cord blood from six women at delivery, who had received treatment with bromocriptine (3.75--35 mg daily) for the entire gestation. A group of eight untreated parturients served as control. Parameters measured were PRL and dehydroepiandrosterone, the latter as an indicator of fetal adrenal function. PRL was significantly suppressed (P < 0.002), whereas dehydroepiandrosterone was not influenced by bromocriptine treatment. The results indicate that the control of fetal production of androgenic substrate by the adrenals is not specifically PRL dependent.