Abstract:

Objective To investigate the feasibility of polyethylene glycol(PEG)precipitation treatment in the detection of macroprolactine(MPRL). Methods A total of 26 hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) patients were classified into 2 groups: genuine HPRL group (11 cases) and macroprolactinemia group (15 cases) according to the clinical and imaging data. By gel filtration chromatography (GFC), the components of prolactin (PRL) were separated, and their levels were determined. After PEG precipitation treatment, the concentration of monomer PRL was determined, the results were compared with those by GFC, and the correlation was analyzed. Results The chromatogram of macroprolactinemia group was different from that of genuine HPRL group. The genuine HPRL group was consisted of monomer PRL, but the macroprolactinemia group was consisted of big PRL. The 2 groups′ PRL before the treatment had no statistical significance (P>0.05).After the treatment,the PRL concentrations of genuine HPRL group were high than those of macroprolactinemia group (P<0.05). The 2 groups′ monomer PRL concentrations before PEG precipitation treatment and GFC had no statistical significance (P>0.05), and the correlation was good [correlation coefficient (r)=0.844, P<0.05]. Conclusions PEG precipitation treatment for the detection of MRPL has good correlation with GFC, and it is economical and convenient. It is recommended as the routine screening method.

Key words: Prolactin, Macroprolactin, Hyperprolactinemia, Polyethylene glycol, Gel filtration chromatography