Is prolactin the cardinal calciotropic maternal hormone?
Narattaphol Charoenphandhu1, Kannikar Wongdee, Nateetip Krishnamra
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. naratt@narattsys.com
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|March 23, 2010
Summary
During pregnancy and lactation, prolactin (PRL) is proposed as the key calciotropic hormone. It regulates essential calcium transport and bone metabolism for fetal growth and milk production.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Mineral metabolism
Background:
- Maternal calcium requirements increase significantly for fetal development and lactation.
- Classical calciotropic hormones (vitamin D, PTH, calcitonin) may not fully explain calcium regulation during gestation and nursing.
- Prolactin (PRL) levels rise during pregnancy, and PRL receptors are found in key calcium-handling tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prolactin (PRL) as a calciotropic hormone during pregnancy and lactation.
- To determine if PRL influences intestinal calcium absorption, bone metabolism, and mammary gland calcium secretion.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PRL, calcium metabolism, and reproductive physiology.
- Analysis of PRL receptor distribution in maternal tissues.
- Evaluation of studies demonstrating PRL's effects on calcium transport and bone resorption.
Main Results:
- Elevated PRL levels during pregnancy correlate with increased maternal calcium demands.
- PRL has demonstrated stimulatory effects on intestinal calcium absorption and bone resorption.
- PRL influences mammary gland calcium secretion, crucial for milk production.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin (PRL) is postulated to be the primary calciotropic hormone orchestrating maternal calcium homeostasis during pregnancy and lactation.
- PRL's actions on the gut, bone, and mammary glands are critical for supporting offspring development.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate PRL's mechanisms in maternal calcium management.
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