Prolactin

education

Formation of prolactin:

The hormone prolactin of the pituitary gland is also known as lactotropin and is a peptide hormone.

regulation

Regulation of prolactin:

The PRH (Prolactin Releasing Hormones) as well as the TRH (thyreoliberin) of the hypothalamus stimulate the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland, which has a day-night rhythm. Also Oxytocin and some other substances have a stimulating effect. In contrast, dopamine (prolactostatin) inhibits the release of the hormone. As a negative feedback, prolactin increases the release of dopamine and in this way inhibits its own release. Dopamine secretion is inhibited by the hormones estradiol and progesterone. As a result, prolactin secretion increases with high estradiol or progesterone levels (low dopamine levels). The associated receptor is one of the cell surface receptors.

function

Prolactin causes the growth of the chest during pregnancy and lactation (Lactogenesis). It also prevents this hormone by inhibiting FSH and GnRH the maturation of the follicles in the ovary and thus ovulation. The increased release of the hormone during breastfeeding by sucking on the breast acts as a kind of Contraceptive protection. Prolactin is also produced in men, but the function of the hormone is unclear in them.