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Prolactin: an emerging force along the cutaneous-endocrine axis
Ewan A Langan1, Kerstin Foitzik-Lau, Vincent Goffin
1Epithelial Sciences, School of Translational Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|July 6, 2010
Summary
Prolactin (PRL) is produced in human skin and hair follicles. Research using organ culture advances understanding of its skin functions and broader biological roles.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Mammalian Biology
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) is a key regulator in mammalian biology.
- PRL is produced within human skin and hair follicles.
- Human skin acts as a significant peripheral endocrine organ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cutaneous perspective on prolactin (PRL) production, regulation, and function.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding intracutaneous PRL using organ culture.
- To identify key questions in extrapituitary and cutaneous PRL research.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on prolactin in the skin.
- Utilizing findings from serum-free skin and hair follicle organ culture techniques.
Main Results:
- Recent advances have improved understanding of intracutaneous PRL regulation and function.
- Human skin's role as an endocrine organ offers broad implications for PRL research.
- Extrapituitary and cutaneous PRL research faces specific, important questions.
Conclusions:
- Detailed understanding of cutaneous prolactin has implications beyond the skin.
- Organ culture techniques are crucial for studying skin-based PRL.
- Further research is needed to address key questions in extrapituitary and cutaneous PRL.
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