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Horm Metab Res 2019; 51(04): 215-219
DOI: 10.1055/a-0859-1144
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Unveiling the Role of Prolactin and its Receptor in Male Reproduction

Sanketa Raut   *
1   Neuroendocrinology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health – ICMR, Mumbai, India
,
Sharvari Deshpande   *
1   Neuroendocrinology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health – ICMR, Mumbai, India
,
Nafisa H. Balasinor
1   Neuroendocrinology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health – ICMR, Mumbai, India
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 23 October 2018

accepted 12 February 2019

Publication Date:
06 March 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Prolactin is a peptide hormone known to have multiple functions. However, the role of prolactin has been extensively studied only in female physiology and its function in male reproduction still remains majorly unexplored. Studies in rodents and humans have demonstrated the presence of prolactin and its receptor in testes, thereby suggesting a possible role during spermatogenesis. Experimental evidences from prolactin and prolactin receptor deficient male rodent models as well as studies done in hypo- and hyper-prolactinemic males hint at neuroendocrine and reproductive abnormalities. Nonetheless, there still remains a lot of ambiguity on the exact role of prolactin and its receptor in male reproduction. This review summarizes in depth on the role of prolactin in spermatogenesis.

Key words

prolactin - prolactin receptor - spermatogenesis - testis - male reproduction

* Equal contribution.


 

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