prolactin

noun

pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən 

: a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary that induces lactation

Examples of prolactin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Decades of research suggests that people have higher levels of pain-reducing endorphins and hormones like oxytocin and prolactin when interacting with animals, and that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol. —Katie Camero, SELF, 9 July 2024

Another hormone, prolactin, is also thought to play a role. —Erika W. Smith, refinery29.com, 18 Sep. 2019

In this case, prolactin is responsible for making more breast milk, and oxytocin causes the letdown or release of your breast milk. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 8 July 2024

In the current study, the researchers found that prolactin lowered the threshold for nociceptor activation in female cells but did not lower it in male cells. —Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + lact- + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

prolactin

noun

pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən 

: a protein hormone of the adenohypophysis of the pituitary gland that induces and maintains lactation in the postpartum mammalian female

—abbreviation PRL

called also luteotropic hormone, luteotropin, mammotropin