It's varied roles suggest that it is an ancient hormone with functions that have diversified during the evolution of vertebrate groups.
prolactin
The effect that prolactin has on a pregnant woman is that it stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.
Estrogen is the primary hormone that stimulates the development of the mammary gland. It promotes the growth of breast tissue and ducts, preparing the gland for potential milk production during pregnancy and lactation.
The hormone prolactin will cause milk production.
milk production
Prolactin contributes to the increased growth and differentiation of the alveoli (milk producing tissues) and also influences differentiation of ductal structures. High levels of prolactin during pregnancy and breastfeeding also increase insulin resistance, increase growth factor levels (IGF-1) and modify lipid metabolism in preparation for breastfeeding.During lactation, prolactin is the main factor maintaining tight junctions of the ductal epithelium and regulating milk production through osmotic balance.
It works on mammary gland.It stimulates the production of milk.
Prolactin hormone stimulates milk production in the mammary glands of breastfeeding mothers, helping to regulate lactation.
The hormone prolactin stimulates breast milk production. Prolactin is released from the anterior pituitary gland and the production of prolactin is stimulated by dopamine, oxytocin and thyroid releasing hormone.
hormone that stimulates milk production and the secretion of progesterone in mammals; hormone which stimulates secretion from the crop gland in birds. prolactin gonadotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary; in females it stimulates growth of the mammary glands and lactation after parturition [syn: lactogenic hormone, luteotropin].
It stimulates lactation in the mammary glands, and is produced by pituitary gland
Acidophil cells in the anterior pituitary gland produce the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production in the breasts and plays a role in reproductive function.