Reference Range of Prolactin level in Sudanese non Pregnant Women Living in Khartoum State (Pilot Study)

Background: Prolactin is synthesized by the lactotrophs, which represent approximately 15% of the tissue in the anterior lobe of the pituitary. Is secreted in pulstile fashion with 4-14 pulses per day, it is normal level about 40-530 IU/L the number of lactotrophs increases during pregnancy and lactation when the demand for prolactin is increased. The objective of this study is to assess the normal prolactin level among non-pregnant Sudanese women in Khartoum state. Methods: The study involved 20 non-pregnant Sudanese women aged between 18-35 years old in Khartoum state and the normal prolactin level was evaluated using the Immune-enzymometric Assay. Results: The Mean of prolactin level was 188.61 iu/l while the range between 92.1 to 241 iu/l with a lower maximum than international level and lower range than the local lab reference. There was significant correlation of prolactin with age, which decreased with age. Conclusion: There was a narrow range of prolactin level in this study with lower maximum value than the international prolactin level.