Recombinant Human Prolactin (carrier-free) 100 µg

Prolactin, also known as luteotropin, is a hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and is best known for its role in enabling female mammals to produce milk. However, prolactin has also been shown to play essential roles in the regulation of immune functions, pancreatic development, angiogenesis, reproduction, osmoregulation, and metabolism. Besides the pituitary origin, prolactin is found in other tissues and cells such as adipocytes, immune cells, skin, prostate, brain, and decidua. This hormone is produced in increasing amounts during pregnancy and suckling. It acts on the mammary gland by initiating and maintaining lactation in the postpartum period. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that circulating high levels of prolactin increase the risk of breast cancer. Prolactin may promote mammary tumor initiation via the JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway. Human prolactin has a 60% amino acid sequence homology with its murine counterpart. In a knockout animal study, it was shown that female mice lacking the expression of prolactin were infertile, but does not prevent them from manifesting spontaneous maternal behaviors. In addition, these animals show no sign of alterations in myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis, suggesting that prolactin may not play an indispensable role in lymphocyte development and myeloid differentiation.;