Prolactin as an adrenocorticotropic hormone: Prolactin signalling is a conserved key regulator of sexually dimorphic adrenal gland function in health and disease

Abstract

A large number of previous reports described an effect of the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) on steroid hormone production by the adrenal cortex. However, those studies remained anecdotal and were never converted into a conceptual and mechanistic framework, let alone being translated into clinical care. In the light of our recently published landmark study where we described PRL signalling as a pivotal regulator of the sexually dimorphic adrenal phenotype in mouse and of adrenal androgen production in humans, we present here the overarching hypothesis that PRL signalling increases the activity of Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1/NR5A1), a transcription factor that has an essential role in adrenal gland development and function, to regulate adrenal cortex growth and hormonal production in physiological and pathological conditions. PRL can then be considered as a bona fide adrenocorticotropic hormone synergizing with ACTH in the endocrine control of adrenal cortex function.

Early Adverse Family Experiences and Elevated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Predict Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Females with Non-Psychotic Mental Disorders and Suicidal Ideation

“…The distribution of biochemical parameters of the patients according to their importance for NSSI suggests that the anterior pituitary hormones (ACTH, prolactin, TSH) may be tightly involved in its development (Figure 1b), with ACTH playing the leading role. Previously, it was shown that the level of prolactin, vulnerable to the influence of different stressors, has a regulatory effect on the adrenal glands, acting as a synergist of ACTH, and, accordingly, modifying the stress response [49]. These findings suggest that the development of NSSI in patients with NPMD may be associated with HPA axis dysregulation at the pituitary level.…”