Prolactin

Question 1

Function

Answer 1

Stimulates milk production in breast
Inhibits ovulation in female and spermatogenesis in male

(by inhibiting GnRH synthesis and release)

Question 2

Regulation

Answer 2

1) Anterior pituitary tonically inhibited by dopamine from hypothalamus.
2) Prolactin in turn inhibit its own synthesis by increasing dopamine synthesis and secretion from hypothalamus
3) TRH stimulates prolactin secretion

Question 3

Dopamine agonist

Answer 3

Bromocriptin:
inhibit prolactin secretion,
used to treat prolactinoma

Question 4

What drug stimulates prolactin secretion

Answer 4

Most antipsychoatics (dopamine antagonist) and estrogens
stimulate prolactin secretion