role of prolactin in the etiology of feminization in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis

ABSTRACT

Basal levels of Estradiol, Testosterone, and Prolactin were measured in 20 schistosomal patients and 10 normal controls. Prolactin response to provocation by Chlorpromazine [50 mg 1.M.] was also studied in the 20 schistosomal patients. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 10 patients with signs of feminization in the form of one or more of the following Gynaccomastia, female escutcheon, female body habitus, and cutaneous arterial spider naevi. Group II included 10 patients without feminine manifestations. The basal levels of estradiol were not different in the three groups. Testosterone levels were significantly lower in schistosomal patients of both groups. Basal prolactin was significantly higher in schistosomal patients of both groups. The level was higher in patients without feminine manifestations than in patients with such manifestations. Prolactin response to stimulation was also higher in patients without feminine manifestations although the difference did not reach statistical significance. The results suggest that prolactin has no significant role in the pathogencsis of feminine manifestations in schistosomal patients