Prolactin (EP193)

Prolactin (PRL) is a single-chain polypeptide of 226 amino acids with a molecular weight of about 24 kD. Prolactin plays a role in multiple processes including cell growth, reproduction, and immune function.1 The pituitary hormone PRL is involved in tumorigenesis in rodents and humans. PRL promotes proliferation, survival, and migration of cancer cells acting via the PRL receptor.5 Anti-prolactin is a useful marker in classification of pituitary tumors and the study of pituitary disease as it reacts with prolactin-producing cells.2-4 Such prolactin-producing cells can also be found in prostate epithelium.5