The role of prolactin- and endometriosis-associated infertility.
This review will address the current understanding of the relationship between prolactin (PRL) and endometriosis-associated infertility. Although the exact mechanisms of action of hyperprolactinemia in patients with endometriosis-associated infertility have not been clearly established, this report reviews results from relevant studies in the literature. These include serum PRL levels in endometriosis-associated infertility, PRL receptors in ectopic endometriotic tissues, basal PRL levels after TSH and Danazol (isoxazolic derivative of the synthetic steroid 5alpha-ethinyl-testosterone) therapy, peritoneal fluid and nocturnal serum PRL levels in endometriosis, infertility, and luteal phase PRL concentrations in patients with endometriosis.


BACKGROUND
Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.


OBJECTIVE
After completion of this article, the reader should be able to explain the relationship between prolactin- and endometriosis-associated infertility, relate endometriosis with infertility, and summarize two ways in which prolactin and endometriosis may be linked in the pathophysiology of infertility.
Wang
Hongbo
H
Department of OB/GYN, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. whbdf@yahoo.com
Gorpudolo
Nowiah
N
Behr
Barry
B
D003613:Danazol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011981:Receptors, Prolactin / Q000032:analysis
D011981:Receptors, Prolactin; D011388:Prolactin; D003613:Danazol