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Dopaminergic control of prolactin secretion
Bulletin Der Schweizerischen Akademie Der Medizinischen Wissenschaften
|March 1, 1978
Summary
Dopamine acts as the primary inhibitor of prolactin secretion in mammals, originating from the hypothalamus. Recent findings confirm dopamine presence in blood vessels connecting the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- Prolactin secretion regulation is crucial for mammalian reproduction and development.
- Existing knowledge on prolactin control mechanisms was limited.
- The hypothalamic control of anterior pituitary hormones is a key area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding of prolactin secretion control.
- To present evidence identifying dopamine as the key hypothalamic inhibitor.
- To explore the physiological significance of dopamine in prolactin regulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on prolactin secretion.
- Analysis of pharmacological evidence implicating dopamine.
- Investigation of dopamine concentrations in hypophyseal portal blood.
Main Results:
- Dopamine is identified as the primary inhibitory hypothalamic transducer for prolactin release.
- Pharmacological studies strongly support dopamine's inhibitory role.
- Dopamine has been detected in significant levels in blood from the median eminence to the pituitary.
Conclusions:
- The dopamine-mediated inhibitory control of prolactin secretion is well-supported.
- Further research may uncover additional, independent inhibitory systems.
- Dopamine's role as a key regulator of prolactin is established.