Prolactin, also termed luteotropin, is a neuroendocrine hormone. It is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland as well as other tissues such as skin, brain, prostate, uterus, or fat tissue. The hormone is mainly known to stimulate the milk production (lactation) during pregnancy and suckling and can influence the maternal behavior. Besides its role in reproduction and behavior, prolactin seems to exert several metabolic, osmo-, developmental- and immunoregulatory effects. For example, it is involved in pancreatic development, angiogenesis, promotes neurogenesis and can stimulate proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursors. Furthermore, prolactin influences the proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes, as it can regulate the activities of ornithine decarboxylase and protein kinase C.
