Prolactin is a hormone and a polypeptide (protein). The hormonal effects are related to reproduction and milk production. Hyperprolactinemia or hyperprolactinaemia (high prolactin levels) from any cause can be symptomatic, especially by causing problems with reproduction.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which suppresses pituitary prolactin production. Dopamine is used for this clinically through the action of dopamine agonists. Dopamine agonists are chemicals which increase dopamine activity, thereby reducing prolactin.

Epidemiologic studies suggest that certain antipsychotic medications interfere with dopamine activity and result in hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia is associated with increased risk of cancers of the breast and of the prostate.

Efforts are being made to find treatments to reduce the hyperprolactinemia when dopamine agonists fail. This has lead to the discovery of the benefit of prolactin-receptor antagonists in cancer. These are chemicals which bind the prolactin receptors and render prolactin ineffective.

CONCLUSION: Dopamine agonists reduce hyperprolactinemia, which increases the risk of certain cancers. When these fail to lower prolactin levels, prolactin-receptor antagonists are being tried.

NOTE: Unfortunately, the full article is not available for further evaluation at this time. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which increases prolactin. Read about prolactin as a marker of autoimmune disease.

“Alternative dopamine agonists include vitex or chaste berry (Vitex agnus casti), and bromocryptine. Boswellia serrata (boswellin) is a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor which reduces prolactin.”

No prolactin-receptor antagonist alternatives are known at this time.

To read the author’s abstract of the article click on the link to the author’s title of the article above.
PMID: 17024156.
Summary #277.