Evidence that an altered prolactin release is consequent to abnormal ovarian activity in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether endogenous dopaminergic activity is impaired in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-affected women and is normalized by medical ovariectomy.

PATIENTS

Women with PCOS untreated (n = 23) and treated for 3 months with GnRH analogue (GnRH-a) administration (n = 10) and normal cycling young women (n = 23) as controls.

INTERVENTIONS

Acute blockade of dopaminergic receptors by the IV administration of 5 mg of the dopaminergic receptor blocking agent sulpiride (sulpiride test) was performed 3 to 7 days after the initiation of spontaneous menses in cycling women or medroxyprogesterone acetate-induced menses in PCOS women. In PCOS women treated with GnRH-a administration (goserelin depot, 3.6 mg SC every 28 days), the sulpiride test was repeated 10 to 15 days after the third GnRH-a administration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Basal PRL levels and PRL increase induced by sulpiride.

RESULTS

Basal PRL levels and the PRL response to sulpiride were increased in women with PCOS. In women with PCOS medical ovariectomy induced by GnRH-a administration reversed to normal both basal and sulpiride-stimulated PRL levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with PCOS the abnormal regulation of PRL and presumably of hypothalamic neurotransmitters controlling PRL secretion is not a primary alteration but it is likely dependent on abnormal ovarian functionality.