Correlation between the number of thyroliberin binding sites, the tumour size and the plasma prolactin level in human prolactin-secreting adenomas.

Basal plasma prolactin (Prl) level, tumour size and [3H]thyroliberin (TRH) binding to tumour membranes were studied in 18 patients bearing Prl-secreting adenomas. Big tumours (grade III) were associated with high plasma Prl levels (median value: 1929 (range: 207-3570) ng/ml) and possessed numerous membrane TRH receptors (median value: 508 (range: 0-1200) fmol/mg of protein). By contrast, smaller tumours (grade II and I) were associated with lower plasma Prl levels (median values: 1085 (range: 40-1890) and 295 (range: 98-788) ng/ml, respectively) and possessed fewer membrane TRH receptors (median values 122 (range: 11-328) and 13 (range: 0-52) fmol/mg of protein, respectively). A direct positive correlation was demonstrated between the plasma Prl level and the number of [3H]TRH binding sites (rho: 0.729 P less than 0.001). That the higher number of TRH receptors is associated with the largest tumours may be of importance in hyperprolactinaemia and should be taken in account when speculating on the pathogenesis of human Prl-secreting adenomas.