Effect of the ergot derivative lisuride hydrogen maleate on serum prolactin concentrations in female rats.

The influence of a new synthetic ergot derivative, lisuride hydrogen maleate (LHM) on serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations was investigated in female rats using different test models: 1. in reserpine (R)-pretreated intact females, and 2. in ovariectomized (OVX) estradiol benzoate (E2)-primed animals with or without an additional pretreatment with R. In all the models used LHM was strongly effective in lowering serum PRL. Doses from 0.025 to 0.5 mg/kg LHM, given orally as well as subcutaneously, suppressed serum PRL. Depending on the dose used, the serum PRL was lowered to a different extent for up to 12 h. LHM was at least as effective as the well-known potent inhibitor of PRL secretion CB-154 in lowering serum PRL in OVX rats primed with E2. The effects of R, E2, and LHM are described in relation to their mode of action within the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system which regulates PRL secretion. While the increase in serum PRL induced by R seems to be directly relatable to its known catecholamine depletion, the circadian rhythm of PRL secretion induced by E2 seems to be influenced or mediated by central neural mechanisms. The effects of LHM on serum PRL in these test models can be related to its dopaminergic action and constitute further evidence for the central functions of dopaminergic mechanisms in the regulation of PRL secretion.