title: Effects of prolactin on hematopoiesis.
abstract: The presence of extra-pituitary prolactin and its cognitive receptors in the hematopoietic micro-environment raises the question of whether prolactin plays a role in lympho-hematopoiesis and under what conditions. Current studies suggest that endogenous prolactin does not play a significant role under normal steady-state conditions. Rather, prolactin has been implicated as a 'stress hormone', functioning to restore hematopoietic homeostasis under conditions of dysregulation. The stress response of prolactin as well as its complex relationship with other hormones and factors has resulted in conflicting reports in the literature regarding prolactin's role in lympho-hematopoiesis. A review of this literature is provided as well as discussion of conditions under which lymphohematopoietic activity of prolactin may be evident.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Molecular Immunoregulation, National Cancer Institute-Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, Maryland 21702-1201, USA.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Welniak
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011981:Receptors, Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011981:Receptors, Prolactin; D011388:Prolactin