title: Radioimmunoassay of human prolactin (PRL).
abstract: A simple and rapid homologous radioimmunoassay of human prolactin (hPRL), by the use of 66% ethanol containing 6.6% ammonium acetate for the separation of free and bound hormones, has been established. PRL levels showed marked individual and daily variations as well as a circadian periodicity in both men and women. Levels of plasma PRL rose with puberty and decreased during post-menopause and in elderly men (ages 60-73 years). There was no marked change in plasma PRL levels at midcycle; however, in some subjects, luteal levels were slightly higher than follicular levels. Administration of oestradiol-17beta caused marked increase in plasma PRL levels during menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, the plasma PRL levels rose as high as 200 ng/ml and decreased within a week or two post-partum. During lactation, the levels were higher and increased with suckling. In a patient with habitual abortion, the plasma PRL level showed a sudden drop prior to abortion. Administration of LH-RH had no effect on the secretion of PRL in human subjects.
mesh_terms: D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000097:blood; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause; D008598:Menstruation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D004958:Estradiol; D011388:Prolactin