Question

The prolactin-releasing factor (PRF) has never been elucidated but,

a) from your knowledge of neuroendocrinology explain 4 characteristics that you would expect in a PRF neurohormone. In your answer, for each characteristic include an experimental approach to provide evidence to authenticate a PRF.

b) A recent publication claims that the excessive release of a putative prolactin releasing factor is the primary cause of prolactinomas. Briefly state what is a prolactinoma and explain how this new evidence could be used to provide a more effective treatment for prolactinoma.

Answer 1

Part A:

The following characteristics are based on various researches:

1. First of all prolactin-releasing factor (PRLH) controls the release of prolactin hormone but not totally, it may also work as other adenohypophysial hormones.
2. DUE to some researches, the PRLH may function differently amongst animals. Their functions also differ in humans from animals.
3. The PRLH does not influence majorly the reproduction ability of mammals.
4. PRLH also have role in down regulating of prolactin hormones.

Part B:

Prolactinoma is the adenoma of the pituitary gland and here pituitary gland produces too much prolactin hormones. This is due to the presence of tumor in pituitary gland.

The research suggests that PRLH majorly associates with Prolactinoma. This is helpful because if we can down regulate the production of PRLH then we can reduce the effect of prolactinoma and may we can cure this.