A peptide hormone, also known as the luteotropic hormone and the ‘milk hormone’ in everyday language. It is produced in the pituitary gland and best known for its role in the lactation of mammals in response to suckling of the young after birth (other production sites include the uterus, the brain, breasts, prostate gland, skin and adipose tissue). However, it has many other functions in the body, with a count exceeding 300. For example, it acts on the reproductive system, and in the regulation of the immune system and fluids. In turn, it is regulated by dopamine in the hypothalamus, and the hormone oxytocin as well as estrogen, the latter serving to increase the production and secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland.
See Dopamine, Estrogen, Hormones, Hypothalamus, Oxytocin, Peptides, Pituitary gland, Suckling