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.