Abstract
In a previous study (Science 199:1229, 1978) we found that prolonged illumination alters LH secretion in human neonates.In the present study serum FSH and prolactin were measured from day 3 to 18 in 20 jaundiced newborns who underwent phototherapy for 48–72 hours (PH).Twenty newborns without phototherapy served as controls (C).In boys,serum FSH concentration showed similar changes in PH and C groups throughout the study period.In girls on phototherapy,an increase in FSH was observed earlier and mean peak value was significantly higher (56 mIU/ml) than in C (18.5 mIU/ml) with p < 0.01. Prolactin levels decreased with progress of age similarly in the two groups.Hence, light affects LH and FSH but not prolactin secretion, in the neonatal period.This effect is probably mediated through the pineal gland.
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Dacou-Voutetakis, C., Anagnostakis, D., Papadopoulos, G. et al. Effect of prolonged illumination on concentration of FSH and prolactin in human neonates. Pediatr Res 12, 1083 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197811000-00011
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197811000-00011