The role of prolactin in the development of chronic progressive nephropathy in the rat.

Prolactin as a factor in the etiology of chronic progressive nephropathy in rats has been studied by exogenous administration and by endogenous inhibition with bromocriptin. Exogenous prolactin caused a significant increase in frequency and severity of the lesions, with accompanying sodium retention. Conversely endogenous inhibition significantly decreased the frequency and severity of the lesions and increased urine volume, pH and sodium excretion. Thus prolactin is important in the etiology of this renal disease in rats.