Suppression by bromocriptine of the serum lactalbumin peak associated with human lactogenesis.

The endocrine environment necessary for human lactation has not yet been clearly defined. In particular the role of prolactin is uncertain, since levels of this hormone usually fall to the normal non-lactating range during the course of prolonged lactation. We have found that the immediate post-partum peak of serum lactalbumin associated with lactogenesis was abolished by treatment with bromocriptine. This suggests a direct relationship between prolactin and lactalbumin production at this time.