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Related Concept Videos

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland01:27

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

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The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
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Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
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Prokaryotes can control gene expression through operons—DNA sequences consisting of regulatory elements and clustered, functionally related protein-coding genes. Operons use a single promoter sequence to initiate transcription of a gene cluster (i.e., a group of structural genes) into a single mRNA molecule. The terminator sequence ends transcription. An operator sequence, located between the promoter and structural genes, prohibits the operon’s transcriptional activity if bound by...
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The Pituitary Gland01:17

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The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
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The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the...
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Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

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Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Assessing Cellular Stress and Inflammation in Discrete Oxytocin-secreting Brain Nuclei in the Neonatal Rat Before and After First Colostrum Feeding
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Prolactin function and putative expression in the brain.

Erika Alejandra Cabrera-Reyes1, Ofelia Limón-Morales1, Nadia Alejandra Rivero-Segura1

  • 1Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. CDMX, Mexico, Mexico.

Endocrine
|June 22, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Prolactin and its receptor are found in the brain, suggesting diverse roles beyond lactation. This peptide hormone influences neurogenesis, learning, memory, and offers neuroprotection.

Keywords:
ExcitotoxicityExtra-pituitary prolactinNeurogenesisNeuroprotectionProlactinProlactin receptor

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Neurobiology

Background:

  • Prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone synthesized by the anterior pituitary and extrapituitary tissues.
  • Prolactin receptors (PRLR) are present in various peripheral tissues and notably in multiple brain regions.
  • While classically linked to lactation, PRL exerts diverse functions within the brain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on prolactin and prolactin receptor synthesis and localization.
  • To summarize established and emerging functions of prolactin in the brain.
  • To highlight roles in neurogenesis, neurodevelopment, sleep, learning, memory, and neuroprotection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific reports.
  • Synthesis of data on prolactin and prolactin receptor expression.
  • Compilation of evidence for prolactin's diverse brain functions.

Main Results:

  • Prolactin and its receptors exhibit widespread distribution in neuronal tissues.
  • Evidence supports prolactin's involvement in neurogenesis and neurodevelopment.
  • Prolactin influences sleep, learning, memory, and provides neuroprotection.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of prolactin and its receptors in the brain indicates significant neurobiological roles.
  • Prolactin demonstrates pleiotropic functions within the central nervous system.
  • Further research into prolactin's brain functions is warranted.