Isolated prolactin deficiency associated with serum autoantibodies against prolactin-secreting cells.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Isolated prolactin (PRL) deficiency is a rare entity of unknown etiology manifesting as failure of puerperal lactogenesis.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the cause of isolated PRL deficiency in an affected woman.

Design and setting

We examined genetic and autoimmune causes of isolated PRL deficiency at academic medical centers.

Patient

The patient was a 39-year-old woman with puerperal alactogenesis after two deliveries and undetectable PRL. The other pituitary axes, serum calcium levels, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging were normal.

Intervention

Recombinant human PRL (r-hPRL) was administered to the patient.

Main outcome measures

We measured the sequencing of candidate genes and immunofluorescence analysis of autoan

SUBMITTER: Iwama S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3790613 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature