Prolactin (PRL) is a neuroendocrine pituitary hormone. Prolactin, plays a role in multiple processes, including cell growth, reproduction and immune function. Full length Prolactin, as well as an alternative splice product lacking the third exon, are secreted by endothelial cells involved in angiogenesis. Additionally, Prolactin treatment of human PBMC has been shown to enhance IFN-gamma production. Prolactin has also been shown to enhance the proliferation of B cell hybridomas, leading to an overall increase in antibody production.
