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Prolactin Stimulation by Meals Is Related to Protein Content^*

Medical and Research Services, Wadsworth and Brentwood Veterans Administration Medical Centers, and the Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine Los Angeles, California 90024

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Harold E. Carlson, M.D., Endocrinology Section, Harry Truman Veterans Administration Hospital, 800 Stadium Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201.

To study the effect of meals on PRL secretion, serum PRL was measured after the ingestion of mixed meals and specific single macronutrients by normal men and women. In men, only protein feeding significantly stimulated PRL secretion. In women, protein meals as well as a standard mixed meal and a liquid mixed meal resulted in PRL release. Fat, glucose, and a nonnutrient meal had no consistent effect on serum PRL. Serum TSH was not altered by any of the meals, and serum GH and cortisol showed few changes. We conclude that PRL stimulation by meals may be of occasional clinical significance, principally in confusing the diagnosis of hyperpro-lactinemic states, especially in women. Dietary protein is probably the agent responsible for PRL secretion induced by meals.

^* This work was supported by funds from the Research Service of the V.A. and The American Diabetes Association, and by NIH Grant AM-21031.

Received August 2, 1982.

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