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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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The Mammary Glands01:12

The Mammary Glands

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The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
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G-protein Coupled Receptors01:21

G-protein Coupled Receptors

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G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
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The Pituitary Gland01:17

The Pituitary Gland

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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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Intracellular Hormone Receptors01:08

Intracellular Hormone Receptors

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Lipid-soluble hormones diffuse across the plasma and nuclear membrane of target cells to bind to their specific intracellular receptors. These receptors act as transcription factors that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in the target cell
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The Pineal Gland01:02

The Pineal Gland

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The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
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Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models
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Prolactin: structure, receptors, and functions.

Fanny Chasseloup1, Valérie Bernard2,3, Philippe Chanson4

  • 1Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse (HYPO), Hôpital Bicêtre, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94275, France.

Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
|October 30, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Prolactin (PRL) is a key hormone involved in reproduction and behavior. Recent research reveals its diverse roles in migraines, metabolism, immunity, and cancer, offering new physiological and pathophysiological insights.

Keywords:
16-kDa prolactinLactationPituitaryProlactinProlactin receptorSignalingVasoinhibin

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone with diverse functions.
  • PRL signaling primarily involves the JAK2/Stat5 pathway via its receptor (PRLR).
  • A shorter form, 16-kDa PRL (vasoinhibin), has incompletely understood signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure and signaling of Prolactin (PRL).
  • To discuss PRL's canonical role in reproduction and behavior.
  • To explore emerging PRL functions in various diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on PRL structure, signaling, and functions.
  • Analysis of rodent models and human genetic studies on PRL signaling.
  • Synthesis of recent research on PRL's involvement in non-reproductive processes.

Main Results:

  • PRL is crucial for reproductive functions and maternal behavior.
  • PRL signaling impacts migraines, metabolic homeostasis, and immune responses.
  • Evidence suggests PRL's involvement in cancer development and progression.

Conclusions:

  • PRL exhibits multifaceted roles beyond reproduction, influencing numerous physiological processes.
  • Understanding PRL signaling pathways is critical for elucidating its complex functions.
  • Further research into PRL offers potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.