Abstract

MENDEZ, Isabel; CARINO, Cecilia  and  DIAZ, Lorenza. Prolactin in the immune system: synthesis and biological effects. Rev. invest. clín. [online]. 2005, vol.57, n.3, pp.447-456. ISSN 2564-8896.

Prolactin (PRL) Is a 23 κDa protein hormone that is produced and secreted by the pituitary lactotrophs. Although PRL was initially regarded as an exclusive pituitary hormone, many nonpituitary tissues were later found to contain and produce this hormone. The most established extrapituitary sites that produce PRL are the decidua, the immune system, brain and endometrium. In the immune system, PRL acts as a cytokine where it plays an important role in human immune responses, including in autoimmune diseases. Here, we will discuss the regulation of PRL gene expression in human lymphocytes and review the functions of PRL made by the immune cells, including its involvement in autoimmunity.

Keywords : Prolactin; Cytokine; Lymphocytes; Gene expression; Autoimmunity.

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