Prolactin Hormone Function

Prolactin stimulates growth of the ______ gland and the production of milk in mammals

Prolactin may act as an autocrine (i.e., acting on neighbouring cells) or ______ (i.e., acting on itself) modulator of immune activity

Dopamine serves this function by binding to prolactin-producing lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary): when this hypothalamic suppression is released, then prolactin is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary. Other hormones, including thyroidreleasing hormone (TRH), also suppress ______ release

The hypothalamus suppresses ______ secretion

Oestrogen has the opposite effect, especially during the period of late pregnancy when the breast needs to be prepared for ______ production

The female reproductive system is characterized by its periodicity, the ______ cycle, which is typically 28 days. This cycle is the outcome of the interactions of ovaries, anterior pituitary and hypothalamus. The cycle starts with the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from neurons in the hypothalamus; the feedback effect of oestrogen at the anterior pituitary, and the hypothalamus, is associated with excitatory and inhibitory effects. As a result, the follicle produces increasing amounts of one type of oestrogen, oestradiol. This leads to increased release of FSH, as well as a sudden surge in the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary. FSH and LH cause the follicle to release the hormone progesterone, which prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized ovum. Progesterone also inhibits the further release of LH. At the end of the menstrual cycle, the levels of LH and FSH, oestradiol and progesterone all decline.

FSH and LH cause the follicle to release the hormone ______, which prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized ovum

The female reproductive system is characterized by its periodicity, the ______ cycle, which is typically 28 days

The feedback effect of ______ at the anterior pituitary, and the hypothalamus, is associated with excitatory and inhibitory effects

The cycle starts with the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (______) from neurons in the hypothalamus

The female reproductive system is characterized by its periodicity, the oestrous cycle, which is typically 28 days