I recently had prolactin tested for the first time and it was 50 microg/L (1 microg/L=1 ng/ml). When it’s that high the lab determine the molecular weight of the prolactin by something called a PEG-precipitation and 20% remained. So 80% of my prolactin was of a high molecular weight, what is called macroprolactin.
Apparently macroprolactin is prolactin bound to immunoglobulin. Some sources say the significance of macroprolactin is uncertain (more studies needed) others claim it’s biologically inactive.
Anyone know more or have any insights to share?
For others with high prolactin, did the lab report macroprolactin?
Macroprolactin; A Frequent Cause of Misdiagnosed Hyperprolactinemia in Clinical Practice
Abstract
Introduction
Macroprolactin is a significant cause of misdiagnosis, unnecessary investigation, and inappropriate treatment in patients with hyperprolactinemia. Its frequency has not been clearly established due to technical difficulties in identifying it. Most laboratories and clinicians are unaware of macroprolactin interferences in prolactin assays.
Results
Macroprolactin is a non-bioactive prolactin isoform usually composed of a prolactin monomer and an IgG molecule having a prolonged clearance rate similar to that of immunoglobulins. This isoform is clinically non-reactive but it interferes with immunological assays used for the detection of prolactin.
Conclusion
There is a need to understand and explore the recent progress in the diagnosis and pathophysiology of macroprolactinemia for improving patient care.
Apparently macroprolactin is prolactin bound to immunoglobulin. Some sources say the significance of macroprolactin is uncertain (more studies needed) others claim it’s biologically inactive.
Anyone know more or have any insights to share?
For others with high prolactin, did the lab report macroprolactin?
Macroprolactin; A Frequent Cause of Misdiagnosed Hyperprolactinemia in Clinical Practice
Abstract
Introduction
Macroprolactin is a significant cause of misdiagnosis, unnecessary investigation, and inappropriate treatment in patients with hyperprolactinemia. Its frequency has not been clearly established due to technical difficulties in identifying it. Most laboratories and clinicians are unaware of macroprolactin interferences in prolactin assays.
Results
Macroprolactin is a non-bioactive prolactin isoform usually composed of a prolactin monomer and an IgG molecule having a prolonged clearance rate similar to that of immunoglobulins. This isoform is clinically non-reactive but it interferes with immunological assays used for the detection of prolactin.
Conclusion
There is a need to understand and explore the recent progress in the diagnosis and pathophysiology of macroprolactinemia for improving patient care.
