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Horm Metab Res 1991; 23(1): 30-34
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1003604
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Evaluation of Dopaminergic Tone in Postmenopausal Women: Effects of Piribedil on Anterior Pituitary Hormones

Laura De Marinis, A. Mancini, F. Calabrò, R. Sciuto, C. Fiumara, P. Zuppi, A. Saporosi, A. Barini1 , E. Menini1
  • Institutes of Endocrinology and Biochemistry, the Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
  • 1Institute of Hormone Laboratory, the Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
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Publication History

1989

1990

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

In order to evaluate the relationships between gonadal steroid hormones and central dopaminergic (DA) tone, we have administered a “weak” dopamine agonist drug (piribedil) in 12 normal women, who were postmenopausal for at least 5 yrs, and we have studied the effects on anterior pituitary hormone release. We observed a decrease of plasma PRL levels and an increase of plasma GH values with all doses (40, 60, 100 mg p. o.) of the drug employed. No consistent changes in plasma FSH, LH, ACTH and TSH were observed and no side effects were reported. These results were greatly different from those previously described in premenopausal women in whom doserelated effects were observed and were similar to those observed in normal male subjects. The differences in the response to piribedil observed in women before and after the menopause could be due to a different sexual steroid environment.

Key words

Piribedil - Dopamine - Menopause - Estrogens - PRL - GH