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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Homogeneous Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-based Assay for Detection of Insulin Secretion
Published on: May 10, 2018
Focus on prolactin as a metabolic hormone
Nira Ben-Jonathan1, Eric R Hugo, Terry D Brandebourg
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati Medical School, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA. nira.ben-jonathan@uc.edu
Prolactin (PRL) influences metabolic homeostasis by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in various organs. While its effects on body composition are modest, PRL may play a role in developing insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Science
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone with diverse physiological roles.
- Emerging data necessitate a comprehensive review of PRL's metabolic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the metabolic actions of prolactin.
- To elucidate PRL's role in metabolic homeostasis and potential links to insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on prolactin's effects on metabolic processes.
- Analysis of PRL's impact on key enzymes and transporters in target organs.
Main Results:
- PRL regulates glucose and lipid metabolism in organs like the mammary gland, adipose tissue, and pancreas.
- PRL influences milk production, lipid storage, adipokine release, pancreatic islet growth, and insulin secretion.
- PRL can act as both a circulating and local (autocrine/paracrine) factor in human breast and adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin exerts significant influence over metabolic homeostasis across multiple tissues.
- PRL's role in metabolic regulation, particularly its potential contribution to insulin resistance, warrants further investigation.
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