Prolactin

Synonyms

Hormone, Pituitary Lactogenic

Hormone, Pituitary Mammotropic

Lactogenic Hormone, Pituitary

Mammotropic Hormone, Pituitary

Mammotropin

PRL (Prolactin)

Pituitary Lactogenic Hormone

Pituitary Mammotropic Hormone

A lactogenic hormone secreted by the adenohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, ANTERIOR). It is a polypeptide of approximately 23 kD. Besides its major action on lactation, in some species prolactin exerts effects on reproduction, maternal behavior, fat metabolism, immunomodulation and osmoregulation. Prolactin receptors are present in the mammary gland, hypothalamus, liver, ovary, testis, and prostate.