Control of prolactin secretion in mammals.

Evidence describing the neuroendocrine regulation of prolactin secretion in mammals is reviewed, with focus on catecholamines, serotonin, and polypeptides. Dopamine may be a physiological prolactin inhibiting factor (PIF), while norepinephrine and possibly epinephrine regulate prolactin release at the level of the hypothalamus. Serotonin may participate in the regulation of prolactin secretion by stimulating the release of prolactin releasing factor (PRF). The identity of PRF is not known, but two polypeptides--thyrotropin releasing hormone and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide--can act directly on the adenohypophysis to stimulate prolactin release.