Prolactin secretion in healthy adults is determined by gender, age and body mass index.

Abstract

BackgroundProlactin (PRL) secretion is quantifiable as mean, peak and nadir PRL concentrations, degree of irregularity (ApEn, approximate entropy) and spikiness (brief staccato-like fluctuations).HypothesisDistinct PRL dynamics reflect relatively distinct (combinations of) subject variables, such as gender, age, and BMI.LocationClinical Research Unit.SubjectsSeventy-four healthy adults aged 22-77 yr (41 women and 33 men), with BMI 18.3-39.4 kg/m(2).MeasuresImmunofluorometric PRL assay of 10-min samples collected for 24 hours.ResultsMean 24-h PRL concentration correlated jointly with gender (PConclusionIn healthy adults, selective combinations of gender, age, and BMI specify distinct PRL dynamics, thus requiring balanced representation of these variables in comparative PRL studies.