ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The pituitary is a small gland in the middle of the head just below the brain (figure 1). The pituitary contains lactotroph cells that produce prolactin, the hormone that stimulates lactation (production of breast milk).

Detailed explanation-2: -Prolactin is synthesized by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland. The number of lactotrophs will increase during pregnancy in response to the physiological need to develop breast tissues and to prepare for milk production.

Detailed explanation-3: -Prolactin is produced mainly by the lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. PRL is under the inhibitory control by dopamine released from the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons (1).

Detailed explanation-4: -Production of prolactin is controlled by two main hormones: dopamine and estrogen. These hormones send a message to the pituitary gland primarily indicating whether to begin or cease the production of prolactin. Dopamine restrains the production of prolactin, while estrogen increases it.

Detailed explanation-5: -Introduction. Prolactin (PRL) is one of the most versatile hormones produced by the pituitary gland (1-3). Several properties of PRL are of particular interest with regard to the adrenal gland. It is known that glucocorticoids have a synergistic action with PRL on breast development.