Dopamine has what effect on prolactin release?

Dopamine has what effect on prolactin release?

• A. Increases Prolactin Release
• B. Blocks Prolactin Release
• C. No Effect on Prolactin
• D. Depends on Receptor Activation

Answer: (B)

Dopamine serves as the prolactin-inhibiting factor. It is released from neurons in the hypothalamus and travels to the anterior pituitary, where it binds to D2 receptors on lactotroph cells. This receptor activation dampens adenylyl cyclase activity, lowers cAMP, reduces calcium signaling, and thereby suppresses the exocytosis of prolactin-containing vesicles. The net effect is a decrease in prolactin release. Clinically, enhancing dopaminergic action reduces prolactin (as with dopamine agonists), whereas blocking dopamine receptors increases prolactin levels.

Dopamine serves as the prolactin-inhibiting factor. It is released from neurons in the hypothalamus and travels to the anterior pituitary, where it binds to D2 receptors on lactotroph cells. This receptor activation dampens adenylyl cyclase activity, lowers cAMP, reduces calcium signaling, and thereby suppresses the exocytosis of prolactin-containing vesicles. The net effect is a decrease in prolactin release. Clinically, enhancing dopaminergic action reduces prolactin (as with dopamine agonists), whereas blocking dopamine receptors increases prolactin levels.