Trophic Actions of Prolactin in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Prolactin (PRL) stimulates milk secretion in the mammary gland, and its central actions include a variety of behavioral and neuronal effects, such as promoting maternal behavior and grooming, as well as anxiolytic and neuroprotective actions. PRL is released in the central nervous system in response to suckling, and its hypothalamic expression is enhanced in pregnant and lactating animals. This review focuses on trophic actions of PRL in the brain that can be involved in its protective actions.