prolactin

[ proh-lak-tin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an anterior pituitary polypeptide hormone that stimulates lactation by the mammary glands at parturition in mammals, the activity of the crop in birds, and in some mammalian species the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum.

prolactin

/ prəʊˈlæktɪn /

noun

1. See luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone
   a gonadotrophic hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. In mammals it stimulates the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum and initiates and maintains lactation Also calledluteotrophinluteotrophic hormone See also follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone

prolactin

/ prō-lăk′tĭn /

1. A protein hormone secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland that stimulates and maintains the secretion of milk in mammals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolactin¹

First recorded in 1930–35; pro- ¹ + lact- + -in ²

Example Sentences

At the same time, genes involved in responding to the hormone prolactin became more active in the milk-­producing lactocytes but dropped off in structural ones.

From MIT Technology Review

In humans, this is called “Couvade syndrome,” and it involves the release of the hormone prolactin.

From Ozy

When fathers hold and play with their children, oxytocin and prolactin kick in, priming them for bonding.

From The Daily Beast

Women have more prolactin than men and cry approximately four times more often.

From The Daily Beast