Effect of prolactin on the prostate.

We propose that: 1. Prolactin is a trophic hormone required for normal development and growth of prostate as well as other tissues. 2. Citrate production, the major function of prostate, is directly regulated by prolactin. 3. The mechanisms of prolactin regulation of citrate production by prostate epithelial cells include a. Regulation of the pmAAT gene, which results in an increase in the biosynthesis of mAAT and, ultimately, an increase in citrate synthesis (the prolactin regulation of gene transcription is mediated via PKC). b. Inhibition of citrate oxidation, possibly via zinc inhibition of m-aconitase. c. Stimulation of aspartate transport, possibly via regulation of the biosynthesis of the high-affinity aspartate transporter. 4. These relationships apply to normal human prostate, and might have important implications in the pathogenesis of prostate neoplasms. 5. The regulation of prostate citrate production is the reproductive function of prolactin in males.