Prolactin acts on prolactin receptors in the breast that are related to milk-producing cells, and contraction for expulsion of milk into muscle cells acting on oxytocin
Dopamine inhibits prolactin production, and TRH (Thyrotropin Releaser) stimulates.
Estrogen and progesterone, in large amounts during pregnancy, blocks the effect of Prolactin on milk production.
The cell that produces prolactin is the Adenohypophysis, which is located in the Lactotroph.
Prolactin follows daily and ovulatory cycles, with peaks in REM sleep and early morning.
Prolactin is stimulated by milk sucking, which activates mechanoreceptors bound by nerves to the hypothalamus increasing prolactin secretion.
Prolactin bound to milk production
dopamine inhibits
prolactin produced in the adenohypophysis
Thyrotropin Releaser Stimulates
Breastfeeding stimulates prolactin
