Renal and neurologic effects of cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic in children: evidence of early effects and multiple interactions at environmental exposure levels
2006
Prolactin Changes Due to Chemical Exposure
publication
Author Information
Author(s): de Burbure Claire, Bernard Alfred
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
Hypothesis
Can serum prolactin levels serve as an indicator of neurotoxicity for at-risk populations?
Conclusion
Serum prolactin is influenced by various chemicals but may not be a specific biomarker for neurotoxicity.
Supporting Evidence
- Prolactin is influenced by a variety of organic and inorganic chemicals.
- Cadmium can have a biphasic dose-dependent effect on serum prolactin.
- Prolactin secretion is modulated by several neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glycine, and glutamate.
Takeaway
Prolactin levels can change due to different chemicals, but it's hard to tell if those changes mean something bad for the brain.
Limitations
The lack of specificity of prolactin reduces its immediate usefulness as a biomarker.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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