MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Prolactin promotes the growth of mammary alveoli, which are the components of the mammary gland, where the actual production of milk occurs.

Detailed explanation-2: -Prolactin is necessary for the secretion of milk by the cells of the alveoli. The level of prolactin in the blood increases markedly during pregnancy, and stimulates the growth and development of the mammary tissue, in preparation for the production of milk (19).

Detailed explanation-3: -A prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. Prolactin causes the breasts to grow and make milk during pregnancy and after birth.

Detailed explanation-4: -Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone known to be mammogenic and lactogenic in both monogastric and ruminant mammals. Lacasse et al. (2011) showed that the inhibition of PRL secretion by quinagolide gradually decreases milk production of cows in early lactation, suggesting also a galactopoietic role of PRL in cows.