User:SUNY5589/Lactotropic cell

Lead
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 polypeptide hormone) in response to hormonal signals including dopamine, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and estrogen. Prolactin is responsible for actions needed for body homeostasis, the development of breasts, and for lactation. 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.

Males and non-pregnant, non-lactating females typically have low levels of prolactin.

The number for lactotropic cells in a pregnant female will increase to allow for breast tissue development.

Function
When lactotropic cells are observed in vitro, they are responsible for firing spontaneous action potentials, causing Ca2+ to follow the action potential pathway and allows for the exocytotic pathway, prolactin gene transcription, and hormone synthesis to remain active throughout. Prolactin gene transcription is responsible for the production of prolactin.

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.

Conditions
Prolactin cells are acidophilic by hematoxylin & eosin stains and, If these cells undergo neoplastic transformation, they will give rise to a prolactinoma, a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma.

Prolactinoma is a tumor of the pituitary gland that is typically non-cancerous. This disorder is more common in females than males. Although the tumor itself may not cause symptoms, the tumor can cause an increased production of prolactin and decreased levels of estrogen and testosterone.

Symptoms of both sexes could include osteoporosis, infertility, or a decrease in sexual desire.

In men, prolactinoma could also cause erectile dysfunction, enlarged breast tissue, small muscles or a decrease in the amount of body hair. In women, this could cause breast discharge, irregular menstrual cycles, painful intercourse, acne, or an increase in the amount of body hair.