Prolactin

Prolactin (PRL) is a single chain polypeptide of 199 amino acids. It is a peptide hormone primarily associated with lactation. In breastfeeding, a suckling infant stimulates the production of prolactin, which fills the breast with milk in preparation for the next feed. It is synthesized and secreted by lactotrope cells in the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary gland). It is also produced in other tissues including the breast and the decidua. Pituitary prolactin secretion is regulated by neuroendocrine neurons in the hypothalamus, most importantly by neurosecretory dopamine neurons of the arcuate nucleus, which inhibit prolactin secretion. Thyrotropin-releasing factor has a stimulatory effect on prolactin release. Increased levels may be useful in the diagnosis of epileptic seizures.

Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P01236