Prolactin Cell

BY AHMAD ABUGHAZLEH

Overview

A prolactin cell is a cell in the anterior pituitary gland which

produces prolactin in response to hormonal signals including
dopamine and estrogen.

Prolactin cells are associated with the endocrine system and the
immune system.

Prolactin cells are acidophilic meaning that they thrive under

highly acidic conditions.

They comprise about 20% of all cells in the anterior pituitary

gland.

Function

In response to hormonal signals, prolactin cells produce prolactin.

Prolactin is involved in the maturation of mammary glands, which

are responsible for the production of milk to feed young offspring
in female mammals.

Prolactin is also responsible for the mammary glands secretion

of milk in association with oxytocin, estrogen, and progesterone.

Prolactin also helps the regulate the immune system

(immunoregulation). This means that prolactin controls the
interaction between B and T lymphocytes and macrophages.

Structure

The shapes of prolactin cells are heterogeneous meaning they

are diverse. They can appear to be rounded, oval, angular, or
polyhedral.

Diseases/Disorders Associated
with Cell

The excessive production of prolactin, known as

hyperprolactinemia, can result in many problems such as breast
discharge, irregular or absent periods, lack of ovulation,
headaches, and problems conceiving.

Prolactinoma is a condition where a noncancerous tumor of the

pituitary gland overproduces prolactin. This overproduction of
prolactin results in a decrease in the levels of testosterone in
men and estrogen in women.

MRI image of the side-view of the

head showing prolactinoma.

Interesting Facts

Prolactin cells differentiate from somatotrophs in mammals. In

chicken embryonic development, however, prolactin cells do not
differentiate from somatotrophs.

In female pituitary glands, prolactin cells are the most actively

proliferating cells.

Works Cited

http://
droualb.faculty.mjc.edu/Course%20Materials/Physiology%20101/Chap
ter%20Notes/Fall%202011/chapter_6%20Fall%202011.htm

http://joe.endocrinology-journals.org/content/183/2/417.full.pdf

http://www5.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bln/ian/prolactin_secreting_cells.htm

http://
www.emoryhealthcare.org/reproductive-center/additional-reproductive-c
onditions/prolactin-disorders.html

http://
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prolactinoma/basics/definitio
n/con-20028094

http://
www.neurosurgery.medsch.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=1123&ref=86&action
=detail