Serum prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone levels following thyreotropin releasing hormone stimulation in preeclamptic patients.

Serum prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured following administration of thyreotropin releasing hormone (THR) in 17 preeclamptic patients and 18 normal pregnant controls. From the 31st to the 35th pregnancy week the preeclamptic patients showed increased basal serum prolactin and TSH levels compared to controls, but later in pregnancy the differences disappeared. Following TRH stimulation, the serum prolactin and TSH responses were similar in women with and without preeclampsia. A possible role of prolactin in the development of preeclampsia is discussed.