Prolactin receptor in regulation of neuronal excitability  and channels.
Prolactin (PRL) activates PRL receptor isoforms to exert regulation of specific neuronal circuitries, and to control numerous physiological and clinically-relevant functions including; maternal behavior, energy balance and food intake, stress and trauma responses, anxiety, neurogenesis, migraine and pain. PRL controls these critical functions by regulating receptor potential thresholds, neuronal excitability and/or neurotransmission efficiency. PRL also influences neuronal functions via activation of certain neurons, resulting in Ca(2+) influx and/or electrical firing with subsequent release of neurotransmitters. Although PRL was identified almost a century ago, very little specific information is known about how PRL regulates neuronal functions. Nevertheless, important initial steps have recently been made including the identification of PRL-induced transient signaling pathways in neurons and the modulation of neuronal transient receptor potential (TRP) and Ca(2+) -dependent K(+) channels by PRL. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and recent progress in understanding the regulation of neuronal excitability and channels by PRL.
Mayur J
MJ
Patil
Michael A
MA
Henry
Armen N
AN
Akopian
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D011981:Receptors, Prolactin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D007473:Ion Channels; D011981:Receptors, Prolactin; D011388:Prolactin