Prolactin (PRL) in adipose tissue: regulation and functions

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone with diverse physiological roles.
• Emerging evidence suggests significant involvement of PRL in metabolic regulation.
• Its precise impact on glucose and lipid metabolism requires comprehensive understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reevaluate the metabolic actions of prolactin (PRL).
• To elucidate the role of PRL in regulating key enzymes and transporters in glucose and lipid metabolism.
• To investigate the potential link between PRL and insulin resistance.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on PRL's metabolic effects.
• Analysis of PRL's impact on enzyme and transporter regulation in target organs.
• Examination of PRL's role in lactating mammary glands and adipose tissue.

Main Results:

• PRL regulates key enzymes and transporters involved in glucose and lipid metabolism.
• In lactating mammary glands, PRL enhances the synthesis of milk proteins, lactose, and lipids.
• In adipose tissue, PRL generally inhibits lipid storage, adipokine release, and adipogenesis.
• PRL functions as both a circulating and local (autocrine/paracrine) factor in human breast and adipose tissues.

Conclusions:

• PRL significantly impacts metabolic homeostasis across various tissues.
• While species-specific and modest, PRL's effects on body composition warrant attention.
• PRL is implicated as a potential factor in the development of insulin resistance.