Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Prolactin

  • Chapter
Endocrinology

Part of the book series: People and Ideas ((PEOPL))

Abstract

The history of research on the lactogenic hormone of the anterior pituitary (AP) can be divided into several time frames. First, there is the period that began in 1928–1929 with the discovery of prolactin (PRL) and led to determination of its chemical individuality and work on its purification; development of methods for bioassay; studies of its physiological actions in mammals, birds, and other species; and some research on control mechanisms. The second period began in the mid-1950s with the first studies on the role of the hypothalamus in regulating PRL secretion. During this period both PRL-releasing and PRL-release—inhibiting activities were demonstrated to be present in the hypothalamus; some information became available on the influence of hypothalamic neurotransmitters on PRL secretion; and studies were undertaken on changes in hypothalamic function in relation to the suckling stimulus, stress, estrogen, and the development of mammary and pituitary tumors during aging. This period also saw the first reports on the chemical characterization of several animal PRLs. A third period began in 1969–1971 with the introduction of radioimmunoassays (RIAs) for animal (including primate) PRLs, which permitted measurement of PRL in the circulation for the first time. Also, the first conclusive evidence was presented for the existence in the human AP of a separate PRL different from human growth hormone (GH), which led to the introduction of an RIA for this hormone.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Bibliography

  1. Bern, H. A., and C. S. Nicoll. The comparative endocrinology of prolactin. Recent Prog. Horm. Res. 24: 681–720, 1968.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Clemens, J. A., H. Minaguchi, R. Storey, J. L. Voogt, and J. Meites. Induction of precocious puberty in female rats by prolactin. Neuroendocrinology 4: 150–156, 1969.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Cowie, A. T., I. A. Forsyth, and I. C. Hart. Hormonal Control of Lactation. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1980.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  4. Desclin, L. A propos de l’action combinee de la prolactine et des oestrogènes sur la structure de l’ovaire chez le rat. C. R. Soc. Biol. 143: 1154, 1949.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Elias, J. J. The role of prolactin in normal mammary gland growth and function. In: Hormonal Proteins and Peptides: Prolactin, edited by C. H. Li. New York: Li. 1980, vol. 8, p. 37–74.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Everett, J. W. Luteotropic function of autographs of the rat hypothalamus. Endocrinology 54: 685–690, 1954.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Folley, S. J. The Physiology and Biochemistry of Lactation. Edinburgh, UK: Oliver & Boyd, 1956.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Frantz, A. G., D. L. Kleinberg, and G. L. Noel. Physiological and pathological secretion of human prolactin studied by in vitro bioassay. In: Lactogenic Hormones,edited by G. E. W. Wolstenholme and J. Knight. Edinburgh, UK: Livingstone, 1972, p. 137–150. (Ciba Symp.)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Friesen, H., H. Guyda, and J. Hardy. Biosynthesis of human growth hormone and prolactin. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 31: 611–624, 1970.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Friesen, H. G., and P. Hwang. The purification of human and monkey prolactin. In: Lactogenic Hormones, Fetal Nutrition, and Lactation, edited by J. B. Josimovich, M. Reynolds, and E. Cobo. New York: Wiley, 1974, p. 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Gardner, W. U., and C. W. Turner. The function, assay and preparation of galactin, a lactation stimulating hormone of the anterior pituitary, and an investigation of the factors responsible for the control of normal lactation. Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Bull. No. 196, 1933.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Gaunt, R. The adrenal-pituitary relationship. Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 5: 395–404, 1937.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Gomez, E. T., and C. W. Turner. Hypophysectomy and replacement therapy in relation to the growth and secretory activity of the mammary gland. Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Bull. No. 259, 1937.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Greep, R. O. History of research on anterior hypophyseal hormones. In: Handbook of Physiology. Endocrinology, edited by E. Knobil and W. H. Sawyer. Washington, DC: Am. Physiol. Soc., 1974, sect. 7, vol. 4, pt. 2, chapt. 21, p. 1–27.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Grosvenor, C. E., S. M. Mccann, and R. Nallar. Inhibition of nursing-induced fall in pituitary prolactin concentration in lactating rats following injection of acid extracts of bovine and rat hypothalamus. Endocrinology 76: 883–889, 1965.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. HÖKfelt, T., and K. Fuxe. Effects of prolactin and ergot alkaloids on the tubero-infundibular dopamine (DA) neurons. Neuroendocrinology 9: 100–122, 1972.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Hwang, P., H. Guyda, and H. Friesen. A radioimmunoassay for human prolactin. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. Usa 68: 1902–1906, 1971.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. LI, C. H. The chemistry of human pituitary growth hormone: 1956–1966. In: Growth Hormone,edited by A. Pecile and E. E. Müller. Amsterdam: Excerpta Med., 1968, p. 3–28. (Int. Congr. Ser. 158.)

    Google Scholar 

  19. LI, C. H. The chemistry of prolactin. In: Hormonal Proteins and Peptides: Prolactin, edited by C. H. Li. New York: Li. 1980, vol. 8, p. 236.

    Google Scholar 

  20. LU, K. H., Y. Koch, and J. Meites. Direct inhibition by ergocornine of pituitary prolactin release. Endocrinology 89: 229–233, 1971.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Lyons, W. R. The preparation and assay of mammotropin. Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 5: 198–209, 1937.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Lyons, W. R., C. H. LI, and R. E. Johnson. The hormonal control of mammary growth and lactation. Recent Prog. Horm. Res. 14: 219–248

    Google Scholar 

  23. Macleod, R. M. Influence of norepinephrine and catecholamine-depleting agents on the synthesis and release of prolactin and growth hormone. Endocrinology 85: 916–923, 1969.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Macleod, R. M. Regulation of prolactin secretion. In: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, edited by L. Martini and W. F. Ganong. New York: Raven, 1976, vol. 4, p. 169–194.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Meites, J. Farm animals: hormonal induction of lactation and galactopoiesis. In: Milk, edited by S. K. Kon and A. T. Cowie. New York: Cowie. 1961, vol. 1, p. 321–367.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Meites, J. Control of mammary growth and lactation. In: Neuroendocrinology, edited by L. Martini and W. F. Ganong. New York: Academic, 1966, vol. 1, p. 669–708.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Meites, J. Neuroendocrinology of lactation. J. Invest. Dermatol. 63: 119–124, 1974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Meites, J., K. H. LU, W. Wuttke, C. W. Welsch, H. Nagasawa, and S. K. Quadri. Recent studies on functions and control of prolactin secretion in rats. Recent Prog. Horm. Res. 28: 471–516, 1972.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Meites, J., C. S. Nicoll, and P. K. Talwalker. The central nervous system and the secretion and release of prolactin. In: Advances in Neuroendocrinology, edited by A. V. Nalbandov. Urbana: Univ. of Illinois Press, 1963, p. 238–277.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Neill, J. D. Neuroendocrine regulation of prolactin secretion. In: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, edited by L. Martini and W. F. Ganong. New York: Raven, 1970, vol. 6, p. 129–155.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Nelson, W. O. Interrelations of steroid and hypophysial hormones and their effects on the mammary glands. Colloq. Int. Cnrs 19–28, 1950.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Nicoll, C. S., R. P. Fiorindo, C. T. Mckenee, and J. A. Parsons. Assay of hypothalamic factors which regulate Prl secretion. In: Hypophysiotropic Hormones of the Hypothalamus: Assay and Chemistry, edited by J. Meites. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1970, p. 115–150.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Nicoll, C. S., B. A. White, and F. C. Ling. Evolution of prolactin, its functions, and its receptors. In: Central and Peripheral Regulation of Prolactin Function, edited by R. M. MacLeod and U. Scapagnini. New York: Raven, 1980, p. 11–25.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Niswender, G. D., C. L. Chen, A. R. Midgley, JR., and J. Meites. Radioimmunoassay for rat prolactin. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 130: 793–797, 1969.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Pasteels, J. L. Sécrétion de prolactine par l’hypophyse en culture de tissus. C. R. Acad. Hebd. Seances Sci. 253: 2140, 1961.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Quadri, S. K., K. H. LU, and J. Meites. Ergot-induced inhibition of pituitary tumor growth in rats. Science Wash. DC 176: 417–418, 1972.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Reece, R. P., and C. W. Turner. Influence of estrone upon the galactin content of male rat pituitaries. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 34: 402–403, 1936.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Reece, R. P., and C. W. Turner. The lactogenic and thyrotropic content of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Bull. No. 266, 1937.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Riddle, O. Comments. In: The Hypophyseal Growth Hormone. Nature and Actions, edited by R. W. Smith, Jr., O. H. Gaebler, and C. N. H. Long. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1955, p. 495–496.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Riddle, O., and R. W. Bates. The preparation, assay and actions of Prolactin lactogenic hormone. In: Sex and Internal Secretions (2nd ed.), edited by E. Allen, C. H. Danforth, and E. A. Doisy. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1939, p. 1088–1120.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Selye, H. On the nervous control of lactation. Am. J. Physiol. 107: 535–538, 1934.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Shiu, R. P., P. A. Kelly, and H. G. Friesen. Radioreceptor assay for prolactin and other lactogenic hormones. Science Wash. DC 180: 968–971, 1973.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Shome, B., and A. F. Parlow. Human pituitary prolactin (hPrl): the entire linear amino acid sequence. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 45: 1112–1115, 1977.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Stricker, P., and F. Grueter. Action de lobe antérieur de l’hypophyse sur la montée laiteuse. C. R. Seances Soc. Biol. Fil. 99: 1978–1980, 1928.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Sulman, F. G. Hypothalamic Control of Lactation. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1970.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  46. Talwalker, P. K., and J. Meites. Mammary lobulo-alveolar growth induced by anterior pituitary hormones in adreno-ovariectomized and adreno-ovariectomized-hypophysectomized rats. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 107: 880–883, 1961.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Tashjian, A., N. Barowsky, and D. Jensen. Thyrotropin releasing hormone: direct evidence for stimulation of prolactin production by pituitary cells in culture. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 43: 516–623, 1971.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Turner, C. W. The mammary glands. In: Sex and Internal Secretions (2nd ed.), edited by E. Allen, C. H. Danforth, and E. A. Doisy. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1939, p. 740–806.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Turner, C. W., and W. U. Gardner. The relation of the anterior pituitary hormones to the development and secretion of the mammary gland. Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Bull. No. 158, 1931.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Vooct, J. L., M. Sar, and J. Meites. Influence of cycling, pregnancy, labor, and suckling on corticosterone-Acth levels. Am. J. Physiol. 216: 655–658, 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Weiner, R. I., and C. L. Bethea. Hypothalamic control of prolactin secretion. In: Prolactin, edited by R. B. Jaffe. New York: Elsevier, 1981, p. 19–56.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Welsch, C. W., T. Jenkins, Y. Amenomori, and J. Meites. Tumorous development of in situ and grafted anterior pituitaries in female rats treated with diethylstilbestrol. Experientia Basel 27: 1350–1352, 1971.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. White, A., H. R. Catchpole, and C. N. H. Long. A crystalline protein with high lactogenic activity. Science 86: 82–83, 1937.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Joseph Meites
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

S. M. McCann

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1988 American Physiological Society

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Meites, J. (1988). Prolactin. In: McCann, S.M. (eds) Endocrinology. People and Ideas. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7436-4_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7436-4_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7436-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation