PRL production is controlled by hormones produced in the hypothalamus. In response to either the presence or absence of a specif
ic stimulus, a signal is sent to the brain that triggers the hypothalamus to secrete either a releasing hormone or an inhibitory hormone. The flowchart be shows the pathways for PRL production and regulation.
Here, the stimulus which is discussed in the question is the Suckling stimulus which is also known as Suckling reflex.
Suckling by a child stimulates the suckling reflex system. The stimulus (information) reaches to the Hypothalamus. Hypothalamus triggers the TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) which further triggers the releases of the Prolactin (PRL) hormone by the Anterior Pituitary.
Finally, when Prolactin reaches the blood, it stimulates the Mammary glands which being stimulated, start to produce milk.
Explanation:
The main function of Prolactin is to produce milk. Prolactin production is mainly controlled by Hypothalamus. Prolactin hormone is produced in Pituitary, uterus, etc. The prolactin hormone production is also controlled by the estrogen.
Prolactin regulation is also controlled by Dopamine and Oestrogen. Both of them regulates the onset and stoppage of prolactin production by sending the information to the pituitary gland. Dopamine mainly blocks the production when the level of prolactin is too high in the blood. Oestrogen mainly increases the production when the level of prolactin in the blood is too low.
Not only Prolactin boost up the milk production but it also helps in maintaining the female's body metabolism, immune system, regulating the menstrual cycle, and regulating body fluid levels.In males, it increases sperm production.
