Serum prolactin in the male mouse from birth to maturity

The pattern of prolactin secretion was determined throughout the development of the male mouse. Levels of prolactin were at their lowest from birth to 20 days of age. A dramatic increase in serum prolactin occurred during pubertal maturation coincident with rapid growth of the accessory organ system. These events preceded the pubertal rise in the level of serum testosterone that is characteristics of this species.