Familial prolactinoma.
BACKGROUND
Apart from the rare association with type I multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN-1), familial types of prolactinoma have not been reported.


METHODS
Eight hyperprolactinaemic patients in four families and 18 of their first and second-degree relatives (parents, children and grandchildren) were examined. Hormone levels were measured, as well as other biochemical parameters.


RESULTS
Prolactinoma was diagnosed in more than one member of each of the four families.


CONCLUSIONS
Familial prolactinoma is a distinct entity which is probably due to a genetic mutation promoting lactotroph proliferation.
Berezin
M
M
Institute of Endocrinology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Karasik
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*