The hypothalamicâpituitaryâprolactin axis (HPP axis), also known as the hypothalamicâpituitaryâmammary axis or hypothalamicâpituitaryâbreast axis, is a hypothalamicâpituitary axis which includes the secretion of prolactin (PRL; luteotropin) from the lactotrophs of the pituitary gland into the circulation and the subsequent action of prolactin on tissues such as, particularly, the mammary glands or breasts. [1] [2] It is involved in lobuloalveolar maturation of the mammary glands during pregnancy and the induction and maintenance of lactation following parturition. [3] Hormones that control the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland include dopamine ("prolactin-inhibiting factor", or "PIF"), estradiol, progesterone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). [1] [4]
The hypothalamicâpituitaryâprolactin axis (HPP axis), also known as the hypothalamicâpituitaryâmammary axis or hypothalamicâpituitaryâbreast axis, is a hypothalamicâpituitary axis which includes the secretion of prolactin (PRL; luteotropin) from the lactotrophs of the pituitary gland into the circulation and the subsequent action of prolactin on tissues such as, particularly, the mammary glands or breasts. [1] [2] It is involved in lobuloalveolar maturation of the mammary glands during pregnancy and the induction and maintenance of lactation following parturition. [3] Hormones that control the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland include dopamine ("prolactin-inhibiting factor", or "PIF"), estradiol, progesterone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). [1] [4]