Background
Prolactin (PRL) is a secreted neuroendocrine pituitary hormone that acts primarily on the mammary gland to promote lactation, but has pleiotropic effects in both males and females. Non-glycosylated prolactin is produced by the pituitary and packaged in storage granules before secretion, while glycosylated prolactin is reported to be constitutively secreted, have lower biological potency, and be removed from the circulation more quickly. Prolactin is synthesized mainly by the anterior pituitary in all mammals, where secretion is under tonic inhibition by hypothalamic dopamine. In humans, prolactin is also produced peripherally. Prolactin expression is low during early human pregnancy, but increases in late pregnancy. The prolactin receptor (PRLR) is a transmembrane type I glycoprotein that belongs to the cytokine hematopoietic receptor family. prolactin molecule is thought to bind two receptor molecules. In addition to its lactogenic activity, peripherally produced prolactin plays roles in breast and prostate cancer development, regulation of reproductive function, and immunoregulation.
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