1. Hormone of the Anterior Pituitary: Prolactin
By Sushmith Ramesh

2. Function and Class Produced by pituitary gland (lactotrophs)
Class: Peptide Hormone
Functions:
Main target organ is the mammary gland
Maintains the corpora lutea (produces progesterone)
Acts in a cytokine manner to control the activity of the immune system

3. Maintenance and Secretion
Hypothalamus secretes dopamine – inhibiting factor
Stimulators
thyroid-releasing hormone
estrogen
progesterone
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Stimulation of mammary gland

4. Homeostasis and Abnormalities
Prolactin suppresses FSH
Over production = Hyperprolactinemia
Infertility
Excess discharge
Under production = Galactorrhea
Lactation ends just 2 weeks after child birth

5. Bibliography
Bowen, R. "Prolactin." Colorado State University, 23 Mar Web. 11 Feb <
"Prolactin." WebMD. N.p., 29 June Web. 11 Feb <
"Prolactinoma." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. N.p., May Web. 11 Feb <