SERUM PROLACTIN AS AN INDICATOR OF ALTERATIONS IN BRAIN DOPAMINE SYSTEMS

We report a series of studies evaluating rat serum prolactin concentration in response to neuropharmacologic manipulation of central dopamine systems. The prolactin inhibitory response to apomorphine is more sensitive than responses mediated by the striatal and mesolimbic dopamine systems. Following treatment with haloperidol and morphine sensitivity of the prolactin inhibitory response to apomorphine is increased. Tolerance does not develop to the prolactin elevating effect of haloperidol.