Physiological Actions and Receptors

Prolactin has become highly specialized in mammals to play important roles in reproduction. The core physiological actions of prolactin in mammals are antigonadotropic and pro-lactogenic. These core physiological functions drive the most obvious pathological consequences of excess prolactin secretion (hyperprolactinemia). The few known examples of isolated prolactin deficiency have been characterized by alactogenesis without other discernable consequences.