Prolactin

Prolactin is a peptide hormone produced mainly by pituitary lactotroph cells. It supports milk production after childbirth and also has reproductive and immune functions.

Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates movement, motivation, and several endocrine functions. Hypothalamic dopamine continuously suppresses prolactin secretion from pituitary lactotrophs.
Lactation: Lactation is the production and secretion of milk by mammary glands. Prolactin supports milk synthesis during the breastfeeding period.
Anterior pituitary: The anterior pituitary is the glandular front portion of the pituitary that secretes several hormones. It contains the lactotroph cells that produce most circulating prolactin.
Estrogen: Estrogens are steroid hormones involved in reproductive development, menstrual regulation, and other physiological functions. Estrogen helps prepare mammary tissue but high pregnancy levels restrain copious milk secretion.
Prolactin and immune function: Prolactin and immune function describes interactions between prolactin signaling and immune cells or responses. Prolactin receptors occur in immune cells, but the physiological significance varies by context.
Lactotroph: A lactotroph is a pituitary cell that synthesizes and secretes prolactin. These anterior pituitary cells are the principal source of circulating prolactin.
Hyperprolactinemia: Hyperprolactinemia is an abnormally elevated concentration of prolactin in the blood. Excess prolactin can disrupt reproductive function and cause milk secretion outside expected contexts.
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is a brain region that coordinates autonomic, endocrine, and homeostatic functions. It controls prolactin release chiefly through dopamine delivered to the pituitary.
Progesterone: Progesterone is a steroid hormone that supports the uterine lining and pregnancy. Its high levels during pregnancy inhibit full milk secretion despite elevated prolactin.
Prolactin isoforms: Prolactin isoforms are molecular forms of prolactin that differ in size, modification, or biological activity. Different forms may help explain why measured prolactin does not always predict biological effects.

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