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Inhibition of Basal and Metoclopramide-Induced Prolactin Release by Cabergoline, an Extremely Long-Acting Dopaminergic Drug

Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Cattedra di Clinica Medica, Universita di Milano, and Farmitalia Carlo Erba Research and Development (P.B.) Milan, Italy

Address requests for reprints to: Dr. A. E. Pontiroli, Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, Milano, 20132 Italy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ergoline derivative cabergoline in inhibiting the serum PRL response to metoclopramide (MCP; 5 mg, iv) and the duration of this effect. Seven normal men received cabergoline (600 µg, orally) on day 0 and underwent a MCP test on days –1, 1, 4, 8, 15, and 28. Fasting serum PRL levels were significantly depressed from days 1–14; the nadir value occurred on day 4. MCP-induced PRL release was significantly inhibited up to day 28, with a nadir on day 4. Two months later, four of the men received placebo on day 0, and tests with MCP were performed on days –1, 8, and 28; basal serum PRL levels and PRL responses to MCP were superimposable on days –1, 8, and 28. These data indicate that cabergoline is an effective longacting inhibitor of PRL release in normal men, suitable for use in the management of hyperprolactinemic patients.

Received March 9, 1987.