Prolactin secretion

Prolactin secretion is a complex neuroendocrine process primarily occurring in the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland (1.1.1, 1.5.1). It is uniquely characterized by tonic inhibition from the hypothalamus, where dopamine acts as the principal prolactin-inhibitory factor by binding to D2 receptors on lactotrophs (1.2.2, 1.5.4). While Prolactin secretion is a biological process rather than a single molecular target, its modulation is a critical therapeutic objective in treating hyperprolactinemia and prolactin-secreting tumors (1.1.3, 1.5.3). Pharmacological intervention typically involves dopamine D2 receptor agonists, such as cabergoline and bromocriptine, which suppress secretion and reduce tumor size (1.2.4, 1.5.1). Conversely, many antipsychotic medications act as D2 receptor antagonists, leading to drug-induced hyperprolactinemia as a significant side effect (1.2.3, 1.5.1). Beyond lactation, prolactin secretion influences reproductive health, immune function, and metabolic homeostasis (1.1.2, 1.4.4). Monitoring serum prolactin levels is essential for diagnosing disorders and assessing the efficacy of dopaminergic therapies (1.3.1, 1.5.4).

Other names

Prolactin releasePRL secretionLactotroph secretionHyperprolactinemia (pathological state)Lactation (physiological state)

Dopamine D2 receptor agonism on pituitary lactotrophs inhibits prolactin secretion, while D2 receptor antagonism disinhibits and increases secretion (1.2.2, 1.5.1).