The prolactin-stimulating potency of reserpine in man.

The prolactin (PRL) response to 0.5 mg i.m. of reserpine was compared to 0.5 mg i.m. of haloperidol in eight young men. The fact that reserpine was found to be a potent releaser of PRL--significantly greater than haloperidol--suggests a major role of storage pool dopamine in regulating PRL Secretion. Since the PRL response to neuroleptics is highly correlated with clinical potency, reserpine could be a potent antipsychotic, and further clinical trials are indicated.