Role of prolactin in disorders of water and salt metabolism in patients with hypertension

: The relationship between water-salt balance and blood prolactin (Prl) level was examined in 22 male patients with essential hypertension, stages IB-IIA. Blood Prl and urinary potassium and sodium excretion were measured initially, using the parlodel (2.5 mg) test, and the acute and chronic furosemide test. Water-salt status was found to be different in patients with baseline hyperprolactinemia who made 2/3 of the sample. Following parlodel administration, Prl level declined in all patients, with daily electrolyte excretion also decreasing in originally-hyperprolactinemic patients. The rise in electrolyte excretion following lasix administration was accompanied with a fall in Prl in hyperprolactinemic patients. Following the chronic furosemide test, all patients showed a tendency to Prl rise, while the hyperprolactinemic patients also exhibited sodium retention. Therefore, blood Prl decrease leads to sodium retention in hyperprolactinemic hypertensive patients that may have an adverse pathogenetic significance.