Lactotropic cell information

A lactotropic cell (also known as prolactin cell, epsilon acidophil, lactotrope, lactotroph, mammatroph, mammotroph) is a cell in the anterior pituitary which produces prolactin (a peptide hormone) in response to hormonal signals including dopamine (which is inhibitory), thyrotropin-releasing hormone and estrogen (especially during pregnancy), which are stimulatory. Prolactin is responsible for actions needed for body homeostasis, the development of breasts, and for lactation.^[1] The inhibitory effects of dopamine override the stimulatory effects of TRH in non-pregnant, non-lactating sexually mature females. Depending on the sex of the individual, lactotropic cells account for 20% - 50% of all cells in the anterior pituitary gland.^[2] The inhibitory effects of dopamine override the stimulatory effects of TRH in non-pregnant, non-lactating sexually mature females.^[1] Other regulators include oxytocin and progesterone.^{[citation needed]}

Males and non-pregnant, non-lactating females typically have low levels of prolactin.^[1] The number for lactotropic cells in a pregnant female will increase to allow for breast tissue development. Prolactin is involved in the maturation of mammary glands and their secretion of milk in association with oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, glucocorticoids, and others. Prolactin has numerous other effects in both sexes.^{[citation needed]}