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Journal of Human Lactation : Official... Feb 2020Maternal milk production requires the neuropeptide oxytocin. Individual variation in oxytocin function is a compelling target for understanding low milk production, a...
BACKGROUND
Maternal milk production requires the neuropeptide oxytocin. Individual variation in oxytocin function is a compelling target for understanding low milk production, a leading cause of breastfeeding attrition. Complicating the understanding of oxytocin pathways is that vasopressin may interact with oxytocin receptors, yet little is known about the role of vasopressin in lactation.
RESEARCH AIMS
The aims of this study were (1) to describe maternal plasma oxytocin, vasopressin, and prolactin patterns during breastfeeding following low-risk spontaneous labor and birth in healthy first-time mothers and (2) to relate hormone patterns to maternal characteristics and breastfeeding measures.
METHODS
Eligible women were recruited before hospital discharge. Forty-six participants enrolled and 35 attended the study visit. Participants kept a journal of breastfeeding frequency, symptoms of lactogenesis, and infant weight. Plasma samples were obtained at breastfeeding onset on Day 4-5 postpartum, and repeated after 20 min. Hormones were measured with immunoassays. Infant weight change, milk transfer, and onset of lactogenesis were also measured.
RESULTS
Baseline oxytocin and vasopressin were inversely related to one another. Oxytocin and prolactin increased significantly across the 20-min sampling period while vasopressin decreased. Higher oxytocin was associated with higher maternal age, lower BMI, shorter active labor, physiologic labor progression, and less weight loss in the newborn. Higher vasopressin correlated with younger maternal age, higher BMI, and greater newborn weight loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Oxytocin and vasopressin have contrasting relationships with maternal clinical characteristics and newborn weight gain in early breastfeeding infants. Further study is needed to understand how oxytocin and vasopressin influence lactation outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Body-Weight Trajectory; Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Oregon; Oxytocin; Prolactin; Vasopressins
PubMed: 31033381
DOI: 10.1177/0890334419838225 -
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Dec 2021Vasoinhibin is an antiangiogenic, profibrinolytic peptide generated by the proteolytic cleavage of the pituitary hormone prolactin by cathepsin D, matrix...
Vasoinhibin is an antiangiogenic, profibrinolytic peptide generated by the proteolytic cleavage of the pituitary hormone prolactin by cathepsin D, matrix metalloproteinases, and bone morphogenetic protein-1. Vasoinhibin can also be generated when placental lactogen or growth hormone are enzymatically cleaved. Here, it is investigated whether plasmin cleaves human prolactin and placental lactogen to generate vasoinhibin-like peptides. Co-incubation of prolactin and placental lactogen with plasmin was performed and analyzed by gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Mass spectrometric analyses were carried out for sequence validation and precise cleavage site identification. The cleavage sites responsible for the generation of the vasoinhibin-like peptides were located at K170-E171 in prolactin and R160-T161 in placental lactogen. Various genetic variants of the human prolactin and placental lactogen genes are projected to affect proteolytic generation of the vasoinhibin-like peptides. The endogenous counterparts of the vasoinhibin-like peptides generated by plasmin may represent vasoinhibin-isoforms with inhibitory effects on vasculature and coagulation.
Topics: Cell Cycle Proteins; Fibrinolysin; Genetic Variation; HEK293 Cells; Humans; Mass Spectrometry; Peptides; Placental Lactogen; Prolactin; Proteolysis
PubMed: 34601001
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111471 -
The Israel Medical Association Journal... Sep 2003The relevance of central neurotransmission to aggressive and impulsive behavior has become more evident due to extensive research in humans and animals. Among other... (Review)
Review
The relevance of central neurotransmission to aggressive and impulsive behavior has become more evident due to extensive research in humans and animals. Among other findings, there are abundant data relating low serotonergic activity--as measured by low cerebrospinal fluid 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid, and a blunted response of prolactin to fenfluramine--to impulsive behavior. Many studies on testosterone activity show a relation between high plasma levels and a tendency towards aggression. It is hypothesized that the interaction between low serotonin and high testosterone levels in the central nervous system has a significant effect on the neural mechanisms involved in the expression of aggressive behavior. It seems that testosterone modulates serotonergic receptor activity in a way that directly affects aggression, fear and anxiety. Our survey reviews the main findings on serotonin, testosterone and the possible interaction between them with regard to these behavioral phenomena.
Topics: Aggression; Animals; Female; Fenfluramine; Humans; Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; Macaca mulatta; Male; Personality Disorders; Prolactin; Reference Values; Serotonin; Testosterone; Violence
PubMed: 14509157
DOI: No ID Found -
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry May 2022Prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone secreted from anterior pituitary involved in milk production in the females and regulation of sex drive in both sexes. PRL has... (Review)
Review
Prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone secreted from anterior pituitary involved in milk production in the females and regulation of sex drive in both sexes. PRL has pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions. High PRL serum level or hyperprolactinemia is associated with different viral infections. In coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which caused by positive-sense single-strand RNA virus known as severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), PRL serum level is increased. PRL in Covid-19 may exacerbate the underlying inflammatory status by induction release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, PRL through its anti-inflammatory effects may reduce the hyperinflammatory status in Covid-19. The underlying mechanism of increasing PRL in Covid-19 is poorly understood. Therefore, in this review we try to find the potential anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory role of PRL in Covid-19. As well, this review was aimed to discuss the underlying causes and mechanisms for Covid-19-induced hyperprolactinemia.
Topics: COVID-19; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Hyperprolactinemia; Male; Prolactin; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35147901
DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04381-9 -
Fertility and Sterility Oct 1997To investigate intraovarian prolactin and prolactin-receptor gene expression and to assess local prolactin synthesis with emphasis on possible differences between... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
To investigate intraovarian prolactin and prolactin-receptor gene expression and to assess local prolactin synthesis with emphasis on possible differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal status.
DESIGN
The RNA extracted from human premenopausal and postmenopausal tissues was subjected to reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction by using prolactin-specific intron- and exon-spanning primers. Prolactin-receptor expression was investigated accordingly. The amplified complementary DNA fragments were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and restriction enzyme mapping. Local prolactin hormone synthesis was verified by a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay based on our monoclonal antibodies.
RESULT(S)
Prolactin and prolactin-receptor gene expression was observed in all analyzed human ovaries (n = 18). Several other human tissue specimens, such as lung and kidney, served as negative control tissues. Significantly elevated concentrations of prolactin were detected in cytosolic extracts of premenopausal (n = 6; mean +/- SD; 20.6 +/- 3.3 ng/g tissue wet weight) versus postmenopausal (n = 6; 3.6 +/- 3.0 ng/g tissue wet weight) ovaries.
CONCLUSION(S)
The human ovary not only serves as a target for endocrine prolactin action but also as a site of local prolactin hormone production. In agreement with previous reports on extrapituitary sources of prolactin, we consider prolactin as a hormone as well as an autocrine or paracrine growth or regulatory factor. Significantly increased concentrations of prolactin in premenopausal ovarian tissue verifies its role in human reproduction.
Topics: Adult; Cytosol; Female; Gene Expression; Humans; Middle Aged; Osmolar Concentration; Ovary; Postmenopause; Premenopause; Prolactin; Receptors, Prolactin
PubMed: 9341613
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(97)00320-8 -
Experimental Physiology Nov 1996In women, the concentration of prolactin in the plasma increases in response to nipple stimulation. This response has led to the assumption that prolactin influences the...
In women, the concentration of prolactin in the plasma increases in response to nipple stimulation. This response has led to the assumption that prolactin influences the rate of milk synthesis. To investigate this hypothesis we have measured 24 h milk production, the short-term (between breastfeeds) rates of milk synthesis and the concentration of prolactin in the blood and breastmilk, from 1 to 6 months of lactation in eleven women. Over the long term, the 24 h milk production remained constant (means +/- S.E.M.): 708 +/- 54.7 g/24 h (n = 11) and 742 +/- 79.4 g/24 h (n = 9) at 1 and 6 months, respectively. The average short-term rate of milk synthesis (calculated from the increase in breast volume between breastfeeds; means +/- S.E.M.) did not change: 23 +/- 3.5 ml/h (n = 23) and 23 +/- 3.4 ml/h (n = 21) at 1 and 6 months, respectively. However, significant variation in the short-term rate of milk synthesis (from < 5.8 to 90 ml/h) was found both between breasts, measured concurrently (coefficient of variation, c.v. = 72%), and within the same breast, measured over consecutive breastfeeds (c.v. = 85%). The basal and suckling-stimulated concentrations of prolactin in the plasma (means +/- S.E.M.) declined from 1 to 6 months (basal, from 119 +/- 93 to 59 +/- 29 micrograms/1; peak, from 286 +/- 109 to 91 +/- 44 micrograms/l). In contrast, the concentration of prolactin in milk was much lower than in plasma, and decreased only slightly from 1 to 6 months of lactation (fore-milk, from 26.4 +/- 10 to 23.3 +/- 9.8 micrograms/l; hind-milk, from 18.9 +/- 5.1 to 13.2 +/- 6.3 micrograms/l). The concentration of prolactin in the milk was related to the degree of fullness of the breast, such that the concentration was highest when the breast was full. We found no relationship between the concentration of prolactin in the plasma and the rate of milk synthesis in either the short or long term. However, the relationship between the concentration of prolactin in milk and the degree of fullness of the breast suggests that the internalization of prolactin, after binding to its receptor, may be restricted when the alveolus is distended with milk.
Topics: Adult; Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactation; Linear Models; Milk, Human; Prolactin
PubMed: 8960706
DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.1996.sp003985 -
British Medical Journal Oct 1977
Topics: Bromocriptine; Female; Humans; Hypogonadism; Prolactin
PubMed: 922321
DOI: No ID Found -
Molecular Endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.) May 2015Adult stem/progenitor cells are found in many tissues, where their primary role is to maintain homeostasis. Recent studies have evaluated the regulation of adult... (Review)
Review
Adult stem/progenitor cells are found in many tissues, where their primary role is to maintain homeostasis. Recent studies have evaluated the regulation of adult stem/progenitor cells by prolactin in various target tissues or cell types, including the mammary gland, the prostate, the brain, the bone marrow, the hair follicle, and colon cancer cells. Depending on the tissue, prolactin can either maintain stem cell quiescence or, in contrast, promote stem/progenitor cell expansion and push their progeny towards differentiation. In many instances, whether these effects are direct or involve paracrine regulators remains debated. This minireview aims to overview the current knowledge in the field.
Topics: Adult Stem Cells; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Self Renewal; Humans; Prolactin; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 25793405
DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1022 -
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine 2016In all mammalian species, a combination of neuroendocrine and experiential factors contributes to the emergence of remarkable behavioral changes observed in parental... (Review)
Review
In all mammalian species, a combination of neuroendocrine and experiential factors contributes to the emergence of remarkable behavioral changes observed in parental behavior. Yet, our understanding of neuroendocrine bases of paternal behavior in humans is still preliminary and more research is needed in this area. In the present review, the authors summarized hormonal bases of paternal behavior in both human and nonhuman mammalian species and focused on studies on the regulatory role of prolactin in occurrence of paternal behavior. All peer-reviewed journal articles published before 2015 for each area discussed (parental brain, hormonal bases of maternal behavior, hormonal bases of paternal behavior and the role of prolactin in regulation of paternal behavior in nonhuman mammalian species, hormonal bases of paternal behavior and the role of prolactin in regulation of paternal behavior in humans) were searched by PubMed, Medline, and Scopus for original research and review articles. Publications between 1973 and 2015 were included. Similar to female parents, elevated prolactin levels in new fathers most probably contribute to child-caring behavior and facilitate behavioral and emotional states attributed to child care. Moreover, elevated parental prolactin levels after childbirth decrease the parents' libidos so that they invest more in parental care than in fertility behavior. According to the available clinical studies, elevation in the amounts of prolactin levels after childbirth in male parents are probably associated with paternal behavior observed in humans.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Fathers; Humans; Male; Mammals; Paternal Behavior; Prolactin; Social Behavior
PubMed: 27424551
DOI: 10.4103/0022-3859.186389 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa 2011Hyperprolactinemia is a common, but neglected, adverse effect of conventional antipschycotics and of some of the atypical antipshycotics. It occurs in almost 42% of men... (Review)
Review
Hyperprolactinemia is a common, but neglected, adverse effect of conventional antipschycotics and of some of the atypical antipshycotics. It occurs in almost 42% of men and in 75% of women with schizophrenia who are treated with prolactin-raising antipshycotics, even though it has aroused minimal interest within the scientific community when compared with extra-pyramidal effects. Conventional antipsychotics and some of the atypical antipsychotics, such as risperidone, paliperidone, amisulpride and zotepine, are frequently associated with the raise in prolactin plasma levels. Because of this increment in prolactin secretion, they are usually known as prolactin-raising antipshycotics. On the contrary, some of the atypical antipsychotics, such as clozapine, quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole and ziprazidone, have a minimal or no significant effect in prolactin levels, being known as prolactin-sparing antipsychotics. Hyperprolactinemia clinical symptoms include gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea, menstrual irregularities, infertility, sexual dysfunction, acne and hirsutism. Some of these symptoms are due to the prolactin direct action in body tissues, while a couple of them can be due to a hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysregulation mediated by the elevation of prolactin. Some studies seem to point the evidence of an association between hyperprolactinemia and long-term consequences, such as bone mineral density decrement and breast cancer. However, these results must be confirmed through further studies. Antipsychotic treatment is the most common cause of hyperprolactinemia in psychiatric patients. However, the evidence of a prolactin increased plasma level demands the differential diagnosis with other pathologies, such as hyphotalamic and pituitary neoplasic disease. The management of a patient with antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia must be adapted to each patient and it may include a reduction in the dosage of the offending antipsychotic, switching to a prolactin-sparing antipsychotic or the use of a dopamine receptor agonist, such as bromocriptine, cabergoline and amantadine. Given the osteopenic and osteoporosis risk, combined oral contraceptives must be considered in female patients in fertile age which have amenorrhoea for at least a one year period. With the exception of the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, none of the current international psychiatric guidelines recommend a routine baseline prolactin determination, neither periodic prolactin levels without the presence of any hyperprolactinemia symptoms.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Hyperprolactinemia; Male; Mental Disorders; Prolactin
PubMed: 22713195
DOI: No ID Found