Question

Describe how activation of prolactin receptors within the brain acts to control the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary and briefly outline one other example of prolactin acting on neuronal targets.

Answer 1

• Prolactin is secreted by lactotroph cells at anterior pituitary. It is regulated by brain dopamine (which prevents its release).
• Neuropeptide W plays a key role in mediating neuroendocrine signals and assess anterior pituitory gland. It also controls the phenomemon of food intake and wtaer drinking. I
• t decreases the secretion of growth hormone, however, it stimulates the release of prolactin.
• It activates hypothalamo-pituitory adrenal axis.
• The secretion of prolactin is governed by thyroid-releasing hormone and gonadotropicn releasing hormone.