Abstract: This chapter discusses the general and biochemical characteristics of the prolactin receptor. It describes the production and the characterization of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to the prolactin receptor. Prolactin, a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is responsible for the development of the mammary gland and the production of milk for nourishment of newborn mammals. Prolactin receptors have been localized in a number of tissues, including mammary gland, liver, kidney, adrenals, ovaries, testes, prostate, seminal vesicles, hypothalamus and choroid plexus, pancreatic islets, and lymphoid tissue. In the mammary gland, the classical model for prolactin action, the action of prolactin on cell multiplication and protein, lactose, and milk fat synthesis is influenced by a number of other hormones. The action of prolactin involves an interaction with cell surface receptors. After binding, a transmembrane signal is produced that results in the actions at the nuclear level, including a stimulation of mitotic activity and the activation of milk protein gene transcription; in the cytoplasm, the transcriptional products (mRNA) are stabilized and translation of mRNA is stimulated.
Publication Year: 1986
Publication Date: 1986-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 5
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