A 36-old-woman with galactorrhea is treated with bromocriptine. The basis for bromocriptine's action is by acting as an agonist for

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[Chapter 7, III B 4 a, c (2)]. Prolactin secretion by the anterior pituitary is tonically inhibited by dopamine secreted by the hypothalamus. If this inhibition is disrupted (e.g., by interruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary tract), then prolactin secretion will be increased, causing galactorrhea. The dopamine agonist bromocriptine simulates the tonic inhibition by dopamine and inhibits prolactin secretion.

A 36-Old-Woman with Galactorrhea Is Treated with Bromocriptine