[Characteristics of prolactin secretion in response to different degrees of lesions of the vestibular analyzer].

The prolactin concentration in blood of 58 patients was measured during vestibular crisis and compensation of vestibular disorders. The results were compared with the clinical development of the disease and localization of vestibular problems. Patients with acute vestibular lesions at the central level of vestibular disorders showed a significant increase of prolactin concentrations that was higher than the concentrations in patients with the peripheral vestibular syndrome at the decompensation stage. Hyperprolactinemia during central vestibular dysfunction is viewed as a manifestation of dopamine deficiency of the tuberoinfundibular area. It is suggested that inadequacy of dopaminergic structures is one of the factors reducing adaptive and compensatory capabilities of the vestibular apparatus when its central compartments are injured.