Prolactin is released from the anterior pituitary under the inhibitory control of dopamine, which is secreted from the hypothalamus. When isolated from pituitary tissue, blood, or amniotic fluid, prolactin exists in several molecular weight forms and has structural similarities to human growth hormone. Prolactin plays a major role in initiating and maintaining lactation, during which circulating concentrations are physiologically elevated.

Pathological hyperprolactinemia occurs in hypothyroidism and renal failure. It can also impair gonadal function in both sexes. Women may present with amenorrhea, while men may experience impotence.

Store/transport at 15–30°C for ≤8 hours; 2–8°C for ≤48 hours; freeze at ≤ –20°C if testing is delayed. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

Hemolyzed or unseparated specimens.

Enhanced chemiluminescence

• Female, Premenopausal (<50 years): 3.34–26.72 ng/mL
• Female, Postmenopausal (≥50 years): 2.74–19.64 ng/mL
• Male: 2.64–13.13 ng/mL

• Frantz AG. Physiology in Medicine: Prolactin. New Eng J Biol Sci. 298:201–207; 1978.
• Falconer IR. Aspects of Biochemistry, Physiology and Endocrinology of Lactation. Aust J Biol Sci. 33:71–84; 1983.
• Rees LH. Prolactin—Recent Advances in Clinical Biochemistry. In Albert KG, Price P (eds). Recent Advances in Clinical Biochemistry. 153–167; 1981.

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