Oxytocin & Prolactin (PRL)

Where is the hormone produced?

Prolactin, also called luteotropic hormone (LTH) or luteotropin, a protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland of mammals that acts with other hormones to initiate secretion of milk by the mammary glands.

How does the hormone affect the target cells?

Promotes milk production Maintains normal sperm production

What cells does the hormone affect?

Mammary Glands, ovaries, testicles

How does the hormone affect target cells?

Oxytocin is also released during orgasm but whether or not it promotes pair bonding between partners is debatable. The fact that release is inhibited by lack of appropriate neural stimuli may speak to that.

What cells does the hormone affect?

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and is secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland. Secretion depends on electrical activity of neurons in the hypothalamus - it is released into the blood when these cells are excited.

Where is the hormone produced?

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and is secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland. Secretion depends on electrical activity of neurons in the hypothalamus.

How does the hormone travel between places?

Oxytocin travels through the bloodstream and then stimulate a protein receptor on the cell membranes to exert their influence.

How do target cells (the cells it affects) recognize the hormone and allow it to enter?

Target cells response depends on three factors: blood levels of the hormone, relative numbers of target cells receptors, and affinity of the receptor for the hormone.

How does the hormone travel between places?

The prolactin hormone travel throughout the body, either in the bloodstream or in the fluid around cells, looking for target cells.

How does the target cells (the cells it affect) recognize the hormone and allow it to enter?

They bind and specify protein receptors inside or on the surface of the cell and specifically change change the cell's activities.