Hyperprolactinemia in Reiter's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

Accumulated evidence suggests that certain immunoregulatory hormones including prolactin (PRL) may play a role in the pathogenesis and disease expression of certain autoimmune diseases. Our objective was to investigate the possible role of PRL in the pathogenesis and disease expression of the spondyloarthropathies, including Reiter's syndrome (RS).

METHODS

Basal levels of PRL (serum) were determined by radioimmunoassay in patients with various types of spondyloarthropathies, patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU), and healthy controls. Clinical manifestations at the time of serum collection were correlated with PRL levels.

RESULTS

Hyperprolactinemia (PRL > 20 ng/ml) was found in 9 of 25 (36%) patients with RS. In contrast, only 1 of 34 (2.9%) (p < 0.001) patients with ankylosing spondylitis and none of the patients with psoriatic arthritis, AAU or healthy controls had hyperprolactinemia. The frequency of conjunctivitis, urethritis, dysentery, and uveitis was higher in hyper than in normoprolactinemic patients with RS.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a possible role for this immunoregulatory hormone in the pathogenesis and disease expression of RS.