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Abstract
A cross sectional case (241 males occupationally exposed to lead)–control (102 males unexposed to lead) study was performed with the aim of evaluating the relationship between serum prolactin (S-PRL) and lead blood (PbB) levels. A meta-analysis of S-PRL levels in similar studies was also carried out. No difference of S-PRL between groups or any relationship between PbB and S-PRL levels was found. The meta-analysis showed a slight increase of S-PRL levels among exposed people, the weighted means falling within the reference values of the biomarker. The results do not support a routine use of S-PRL as a biomarker of effect in lead exposed workers.