Functional evaluation of prolactin secretion: a guide to therapy.

Stimulation and inhibition tests are proposed for evaluating prolactin secretion. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates the release of prolactin from the pituitary. Chlorpromazine acts presumably at the hypothalamic level to increase prolactin secretion. L-Dopa (D,L-alpha-hydrazino-alpha-methyl-beta-[3,4-di-hydroxyphenyl]) has the opposite effect; it inhibits prolactin secretion and may be effective in suppressing galactorrhea.