Prolactin function

As in insects, a complex interaction of hormones in the amphibian larva precipitates metamorphosis. Ultimately, two major classes of hormones act together to control amphibian metamorphosis the thyroid hormones (made by the thyroid gland) and prolactin (made by the pituitary gland). Thyroid hormones function somewhat like the molting hormones of insects, in that an increase of their concentration relative to prolactin leads to metamorphosis of the larva into the adult. Prolactin functions somewhat like the juvenile hormones of insects, in that it tempers the action of the thyroid hormones. In most species, thyroid hormones increase dramatically in concentration during metamorphosis and this stimulates resorption of certain larval organs and differentiation of new adult organs. 

Structure—function relationships of prolactin among a variety of species have been pubUshed (17,18). Only one gene for prolactin appears to exist (19). Although classically placed in the category of simple protein hormones, prolactin can be glycosylated. Carbohydrate attachment occurs at Asn-31, where the consensus glycosylation sequence Asn—X—Ser is found. 

Prolactin-Like Proteins. A number of prolactin-like proteins (PLPs), which ate distinct from the PLs, have been identified in mminants and rodents (11,23). Several cDNA transcripts coding for PLPs in catde have been identified (23). These transcripts code for proteins which possess about 40% sequence homology with bovine PRL 60% if conservative substitutions ate considered. Three glycosylated PLPs, ie, PLP-A, -B, and -C, ate produced during pregnancy in the rat (11). Two additional prolactin-related molecules have been identified in the mouse (24,25), ie, proliferin [92769-12-5] (PLF) and PLF-related protein [98724-27-7]. These ate not found in other rodents and may be unique to the mouse. The functional roles of PLPs remain to be deterrnined. 

Besides behavior and blood pressure, catecholamine neurons also have important roles in other brain functions. Regulation of neuroendocrine function is a well-known action of catecholamines for example, DA agonists reduce semm prolactin concentration, especially in conditions of hypersecretion. Ingestive behavior can be modulated by brain catecholamines, and some appetite-suppressing dmgs are beheved to act via catecholaminergic influences. Catecholamines also participate in regulation of body temperature. 

This section of the chapter discusses FSH, LH, GH, and ACTH. FSH and LH are called gonadotropins because they influence the gonads (the organs of reproduction). GH, also called somatotropin, contributes to the growth of the body during childhood, especially the growth of muscles and bones. ACTH is produced by the anterior pituitary and stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete the corticosteroids. The anterior pituitary hormone, TSH, is discussed in Chapter 51. Prolactin, which is also secreted by the anterior pituitary, stimulates the production of breast milk in the postpartum patient Additional functions of prolactin are not well understood. Prolactin is the only anterior pituitary hormone that is not used medically. 

DA antagonists are anti-emetic, elevate plasma prolactin and have major motor and behavioural effects. Thus DA must be involved in the initiation of vomiting, the secretion of prolactin and control of motor and behavioural activity. Its role in emesis and as the prolactin release inhibitory factor have been adequately covered above. Its motor and behavioural function will now be considered. 

Nevertheless it must also be expected that anything which increases DA function not only controls extrapyramidal function but also reproduces the other central effects of DA i.e. vomiting, a reduction in prolactin secretion and some psychotic manifestations. In excess it may also cause dyskinesias. Despite these problems, the therapy of PD is one of the success stories of neurology. 

There is no evidence of a general overactivity in DA function in schizophrenic patients. Plasma prolactin is not reduced, so the DA inhibitory control of its release is normal there is no recorded increase in DA turnover as CSF and plasma levels of its major metabolite HVA are normal and dyskinesias, which would reflect increased DA activity, are rare. PM studies have shown no consistent increases in DA brain levels, although some reports show an increase in the left amygdala, or in the activity of enzymes involved in its synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase) or metabolism (MAO). For a review of the neurochemistry see Reynolds (1995). 

There is a recent clinical report by Emil Coeearo and colleagues that I think might be relevant to the kind of thing you have done in rats. They have been looking at endocrine responses to fenfluramine in humans as a marker of central serotonergic function. And they have observed an increase in serum prolactin concentration, which is felt to be due to serotonin release. They reported that, in subjects who received a seeond dose of fenfluramine within 12 days after the first dose, that there was a blunted response to serum prolactin. 

Heninger, G. Chamey, D.S. and Sternberg, D.E. Serotonergic function in depression Prolactin response to intravenous tryptophan in depressed patients and healthy subjects. Arch Gen Psychiatry 41 398-402. 1984. 

The pituitary, as well as the hypothalamic hormones, also contribute to VN development. A transient prolactin receptor (PRLR) is expressed in the late foetal rat. At El8, there is positive staining for this binding protein along the lumenal border the reaction is restricted to the medial (sensory) zone [Freemark et al, Fig. 6(d), 1996]. These sites possibly function in the detection of endogenous lactogenic ligands such as PL-I and PL-II. The VNORs also occupy microvillous sites in this area, but the precise developmental role of PRLR in the early AOS is unknown. The modulatory influence of prolactin is well established after puberty in mammals as a reproductive determinant (Chap. 5). In a more central role, it acts on the EOG recorded from the accessory area of the bulb in newts (Toyoda, 2000). 

Prolactin is an essential hormone for normal production of breast milk following childbirth. It also plays a pivotal role in a variety of reproductive functions. Prolactin is regulated primarily by the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and secreted solely by the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Under normal conditions, secretion of prolactin is predominantly under inhibitory control by dopamine and acts on the D2 receptors located on the lactotroph cells. Increase of hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in primary hypothyroidism can stimulate the release of prolactin. 

Electrolytes, renal and thyroid function, FSH, LH, and testosterone are within normal limits. Elevated prolactin at 115 ng/mL (115 mcg/L). Pregnancy test is negative. 

In addition to the classical stress hormones already reviewed, several other hormones are augmented in response to stress. Stress-induced prolactin release is one of the most frequently studied examples. There is no doubt about the causal relationship between stress and increased pituitary prolactin release, but the biological meaning is much less clear (G2). This phylogenetically old hormone has been shown to have more than 85 different functions in all vertebrate species. However, besides its role in the induction of maternal lactogenesis, the physiological importance of prolactin is at present not fully established. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the view that prolactin is also an immunoregulating hormone (M44, R18). Prolactin receptors are present on human T and B lymphocytes (R18), and T lymphocytes depend on prolactin for maintenance of immunocompetence (B19). In addition, it has been shown that prolactin is able to influence the devel-... 

Cannabimimetics are also shown to affect reproductive and metabolic functions indirectly by hormonal modulation through the hypothalamic and pituitary regulatory centers. They are found to reduce serum levels of the luteinizing hormone, prolactin, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, and to increase corticotropin (Murphy, 1998). 

Prolactin (PRL), produced by the lactotrope cells of the adenohypophysis, is involved with the initiation and maintenance of lactation in females. Its function in males is uncertain. Lactation involves three processes ... 

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