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Horm Metab Res 2006; 38(9): 587-591
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-950505
Original Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Prolactin, Cortisol Secretion and Thyroid Function in Patients with Stroke of Mild Severity

A. Theodoropoulou 1 , I. C. Metallinos 2 , J. Elloul 2 , P. Taleli 2 , N. Lekka 3 , A. G. Vagenakis 1 , V. Kyriazopoulou 1
  • 1Division of Endocrinology Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
  • 2Department of Neurology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
  • 3Department of Psychiatry, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

Received 30 November 2005

Accepted after revision 14 February 2006

Publication Date:
18 September 2006 (online)

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Different attempts were made to identify the variables that may be involved in the clinical course of cerebrovascular ischemia. In the case of stroke with mild severity (SMS), the clinical significance of neuroendocrine changes as well as of post-stroke depression (PSD) remains unknown. We therefore evaluated the presence of neuroendocrine changes in the acute and post-acute phase of SMS, and their potential role during convalescence. Serum cortisol, T4, T3, FT4, FT3, TSH and PRL levels were measured in 17 euthyroid patients with stroke on admission (day 1), following morning (day 2), 7 days and 3 months later. TSH and PRL secretion after TRH test were measured. Stroke severity on admission was determined by Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS). Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (Madrs) was used for assessment of post-stroke depression. On admission, TSH and T3, were within normal limits and were greater compared to values on day 2. Lower basal TSH and decreased TSH response to TRH on day 2, were associated with stroke of greater severity. Delta-PRL after TRH on day 2 was higher in patients who develop PSD. Changes in serum thyroid hormones in SMS, reflects those of non-thyroidal illness. A mild stimulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was detected. We provide evidence that PRL response to TRH, in the acute phase of stroke may be used as an index for early detection of PSD.

Key words

Cerebrovascular disease - thyroid function - prolactin - post-stroke depression - TRH

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Correspondence

Apostolos G. Vagenakis

Department of Internal Medicine·Division of Endocrinology·University of Patras Medical School·University Hospital

Rio 26500·Greece

Phone: +30/2610/99 95 82

Fax: +30/2610/99 39 82

Email: traviata@otenet.gr