Role Of Prolactin In Pemphigus Vulgaris

Prolactin has been shown to have immunomodulatory as well as lactogenic effects. Generally it is known that prolactin may also play a role in the activity of autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown decreasing prolactin production to be beneficial in animal models of autoimmune disease. Thus far, studies of dopamine agonist treatment in humans with autoimmune disease have been done in lupus patients and support the potential efficacy of such agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of prolactin in pemphigus patients and its relation with the activity. More studies are required to further delineate the mechanisms by which prolactin affects autoimmune disease activity, to determine in which specific diseases prolactin plays a significant role and to test the efficacy of prolactin-lowering agents as therapy for such diseases.Key words: Prolactin, pemphigus, hyperprolactinemia.