Determination of association of macroprolactinemia with macroprolactinoma using poly ethylene glycol precipitation test

ABSTRACT

Prolactin in human serum exists in 3 different molecular forms, i. e, monomeric, big and at times big big [Macroprolactin]. Macroprolactin is a complex of prolactin and IgG and may account for a significant proportion of idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Its biological activity is considered low or absent, usually idiopathic and poorly symptomatic. Since its association with a prolactin producing macroadenoma is poorly documented, we performed this study on the patients with Macroprolactinoma for the presence of macroprolactinaemia through its identification with Poly Ethylene Glycol. The study aims is to comparing the clinical [galactorrhea and oligomenorrhea] findings in patients with macroprolactinaemia and those without it. In this study 10 patients with Macroprolactinoma [macroadenoma in MRI of hypophysis, prolactin level more than l00gIL and clinical and radiological response of tumor to dopamionergic agents after treatment] were evaluated for the presence of Macroprolactinemia, using Poly Ethylene Glycol precipitation test. Doing so, one patient infected by Macroprolactinemia was detected. At the time of reception, the clinical findings in all 10 patients were classic and similar and in the follow ups, both clinical and radiological changes were the same. Our Results suggest that Macroprolactinoma may be associated with Macroprolactinemia