Prolactin

Question 1

 Also known as Luteotropic hormone (LTH) is a peptide hormone primarily associated with lactation.
 Pituitary lactogenic hormone, a stress hormone, a direct effector hormone
 Structurally similar to GH
 It also acts in conjunction with estrogen and progesterone to promote breast tissue development

Answer 1

Prolactin

Question 2

In breastfeeding, the act of an infant suckling the nipple stimulates the production of prolactin, which fills the breast with milk via a process called __________, in preparation for the next feed. _________, another hormone, is also released, which triggers milk let-down.

Answer 2

lactogenesis; Oxytocin

Question 3

main inhibitory factor

Answer 3

Dopamine

Question 4

Specimen requirement: blood should be collected _______hours after the individual has awakened; fasting sample

Answer 4

3-4

Question 5

Prolactin has many effects including

Answer 5

regulating lactation, orgasms, and stimulating proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells

Question 6

Prolactin provides the body with sexual gratification after sexual acts: The hormone counteracts the effect of dopamine, which is responsible for ____________. This is thought to cause the sexual refractory period. The amount of prolactin can be an indicator for the amount of sexual satisfaction and relaxation.

Answer 6

sexual arousal

Question 7

Unusually high amounts are suspected to be responsible for

Answer 7

impotence and loss of libido

Question 8

Prolactin also has a number of other effects including contributing to surfactant synthesis of the ___________ at the end of the pregnancy and immune tolerance of the fetus by the maternal organism during pregnancy; it also decreases normal levels of sex hormones — estrogen in women and testosterone in men.

Answer 8

fetal lungs

Question 9

Prolactin levels may be checked as part of a sex hormone workup, as elevated prolactin secretion can suppress the secretion of FSH and GnRH, leading to _____________, and sometimes causing _______________ in men

Answer 9

hypogonadism; erectile dysfunction

Question 10

Prolactin levels may be of some use in distinguishing ___________ seizures from __________________________
seizures. The serum prolactin level usually rises following an epileptic seizure.

Answer 10

epileptic; psychogenic non-epileptic

Question 11

term given to having too-high levels of prolactin in the blood

Answer 11

Hyperprolactinaemia

Question 12

Conditions associated with elevated prolactin secretion

Answer 12

 Prolactinoma
 Excess thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), usually in primary hypothyroidism
 Many anti-psychotic medications
 Emotional stress
 Pregnancy and Lactation

Question 13

Conditions associated with decreased prolactin

Answer 13

 Bulimia
 Excess dopamine