Prolactin reference range and pulsatility in male dogs.
Little is known about serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations and secretion patterns in male dogs. Blood samples (n = 65) were collected from crossbred dogs and from Beagles and German Shepherd dogs to describe the PRL reference range, and from five male Beagles at 15-min intervals for 6 h (n = 24 samples/dog) to describe the ultradian rhythm of this hormone. Serum PRL was measured by a homologous endpoint enzyme immunometric assay. The reference range was established from nondetectable to 6.0 ng/mL. There was an effect of breed; serum PRL concentrations in Beagles were higher (P < 0.05) than in crossbreeds and German Shepherds. However, there was no significant correlation between PRL concentration and age of the dog. During the ultradian study, PRL was characterized by a fluctuating baseline with occasional distinct elevations, indicating a pulsatile secretion. The mean basal PRL concentration was 1.4 +/- 0.6 ng/mL and the mean AUC was 9.9 +/- 2.7 ng/mL/6h. Prolactin pulse frequency ranged from one to two peaks/6h, pulse duration between 15 and 75 min, and amplitude from 1.7 to 2.4 ng/mL. In conclusion, this reference range, pulsatility and breed differences should be taken into account when interpreting serum PRL concentrations, for clinical or research purposes.
Corrada
Yanina
Y
Imaging Diagnostic Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina.
Rimoldi
Isabel
I
Arreseigor
Susana
S
Marecco
Gonzalo
G
Gobello
Cristina
C
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values
D011388:Prolactin