Prolactin Flashcards
where does prolactin originate from?
the anterior pituitary
what cells does prolactin come from?
mammotroph cells
chemistry of PRL
199 aa with 2 DS bridges
prolactin secretion mechanism
exocytosis of PRL containing vesicles
regulation of PRL secretion is controlled by
PIF, DA - it inhibits secretion
TRH and VIP stimulate it
other things that stimulate secretion of PRL
estrogen - decrease lactotroph sensitivity to DA
stress - reduces DA
Suckling - reduces DA
copulation
HPL secretion increases during
3rd trimester of pregnancy
Function of Prolactin in Males - acts synergistically with
LH to stimulate testosterone production
Function of Prolactin in Males - stimulates growth of what gland?
prostate
do males need to have it?
no
is over expression bad in males?
yes
function of prolactin in females - elevated levels lead to problems with (2 things)
menstrual cycle + ovulation
primary sugar in milk is
lactose
primary lipid are
free fatty acids
primary proteins are (2)
casein and alpha lactablbumin
what 3 hormones are important for the development of the ductal tree?
growth hormone, glucocorticoid (cortisol) and estrogen
maintenance of lactation requires 4 main hormones
- prolactin
- cortisol
- insulin
- thyroid hormones
what does suckling stimulate?
mechanoreceptors
mechanoreceptors (in the sucking process) stimulate what type of cells, to increase what?
paraventricular cells to increase oxytocin release
pathology of prolactin - gyneocomastia
overgrowth of mammary gland in males
pathology of prolactin - galactorrhea
inappropriate lactation in females
pathology of prolactin - infertility
increased prolactin causes this
pathology of prolactin - breast cancer
doesn’t look like prolactin is involved
