Abstract: Objective To study the response of growth hormone(GH) and prolactin(PRL) to thyrotropin-releasing hormone(TRH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods The levels of PRL and GH level were measured by radioimmunoassay in sera from 34 patients with active SLE,13 patients of inactive SLE and 10 matched controls. Results There was a significant difference of serum levels of PRL between active group and inactive group as well as controls at 0 min and at 15 min,30 min, 60 min,120 min after TRH injection. The serum GH levels at 60 min and 120 min were significantly higher in active group than those of inactive group and controls. The proportions of patients with increased response to TRH were signifiat higher in active group than those of inactive group. The abnormal response to TRH in active SLE was related to the disease activity of the patients. Conclusion The increasing levels of serum GH and PRL is likely to be associated with the pathogenesis of SLE.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus,systemic, Protirelin, Somatropin, Prolactin