Control of prolactin secretion by the hypothalamic catecholamines.

The neuroendocrine control of prolactin secretion is very complex. Even though the hypothalamus exerts a profound inhibitory influence upon the secretion of this hormone, the mechanism(s) involved is poorly understood. The cerebrospinal fluid seems to be becoming increasingly important as regards neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms involving prolactin. Pharmacological agents such as apomorphine and many of the ergot alkaloids are very effective inhibitors of the secretion of prolactin. Still other pharmacological agents such as DMPEA, alpha-methyldopa, reserpine, and certain of the phenothiazines are very effective in causing a stimulation of prolactin secretion.