The Involvement of Prolactin in Stress-Related Disorders

Abstract

The most important and widely studied role of prolactin (PRL) is its modulation of stress responses during pregnancy and lactation. PRL acts as a neuropeptide to support physiological reproductive responses. The effects of PRL on the nervous system contribute to a wide range of changes in the female brain during pregnancy and the inhibition of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. All these changes contribute to the behavioral and physiological adaptations of a young mother to enable reproductive success. PRL-driven brain adaptations are also crucial for regulating maternal emotionality and well-being. Hyperprolactinemia (elevated PRL levels) is a natural and beneficial phenomenon during pregnancy and lactation. However, in other situations, it is often associated with serious endocrine disorders, such as ovulation suppression, which results in a lack of offspring. This introductory example shows how complex this hormone is. In this review, we focus on the different roles of PRL in the body and emphasize the results obtained from animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Prolactin levels in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a retrospective case–control study

“…Glucocorticoids impede stress-induced prolactin release. This explains, why acute stress causes high serum prolactin levels, whereas chronic stress does not increase or even lower prolactin levels [ 6 , 36 ]. Considering that only chronic stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of FHA and the linkage between stress-induced FHA and high prevalence of PCOM, this might explain why we could not observe a significant association between these two parameters and high prolactin levels in the multivariable model [ 11 , 15 ].…”

Effect of stress on ovulatory function

“…It is a hormone that performs more than 300 functions in the body, its secretion is influenced by many environmental factors (for example, circadian rhythms or seasonal changes), prolactin also belongs to the group of hormones that are strongly regulated by stress. The results obtained on animal models showed that its secretion depends on the type and intensity of stress [3]. Prolactin receptors, along with growth hormone and interleukin-6 receptors, are members of the type I cytokine receptor family [8].…”

“…Abnormal menstruation is often observed in women, including irregular cycles, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, or shortened menstrual cycles (polymenorrhea) [14,17,24]. Ovulation disorders, including complete disappearance of ovulation, are common [3]. Additional findings may include galactorrhea, infertility, decreased libido, dyspareunia, acne, weight gain, obesity, and hirsutism [14,17,24].…”

Pathogenesis of the crosstalk between reproductive function and stress in animals – part 2: Prolactin, thyroid, inflammation and oxidative stress

“…Prolactin increases depending on the intensity and the duration of the stressors. For example, acute and unpredictable stress seems to cause a higher prolactin secretion than mild chronic stress in rodents (Faron-Górecka et al, 2023).…”

“…Prolactin increases depending on the intensity and the duration of the stressors. For example, acute and unpredictable stress seems to cause a higher prolactin secretion than mild chronic stress in rodents (Faron‐Górecka et al, 2023). Prolactin appears to be a good marker of stress in dogs (Gutiérrez et al, 2019), horses (Colborn et al, 1991; Kitaura et al, 2021) and pigs (Ciepielewski et al, 2013).…”