The aim of the study was to evaluate whether genistein, a phytoestrogen commonly present in feed plants, affects prolactin release and its gene expression in the pituitary gland. In the experimental model, genistein was infused into the third ventricle (IIIv) of the brain in ewes during the short-daylight period (November-December), when the physiological plasma level of prolactin is low. Anima...

Pregnancy requires a higher functional beta cell mass and this is associated with profound changes in the gene expression profile of pancreatic islets. Taking Tph1 as a sensitive marker for pregnancy-related islet mRNA expression in female mice, we previously identified prolactin receptors and placental lactogen as key signalling molecules. Since beta cells from male mice also express prolactin...

We investigated the mechanisms by which transforming growth factor (TGF)-b2 inhibited prolactin mRNA expression in GH3 rat pituitary tumor cells. Maximal inhibition was observed with cells exposed to 5 ng/ml TGF-b2 for 24 hr. Continuous presence of the hormone during the entire period was not necessary because exposure of cells to TGF-b2 for 20 min was sufficient to trigger the same extent of p...

We have identified a novel exon 11 of the human prolactin receptor (hPRLR) gene that is distinct from its rodent counterparts and have demonstrated the presence of two novel short forms of the hPRLR (S1(a) and S1(b)), which are derived from alternative splicing of exons 10 and 11. S1(a) encodes 376 amino acids (aa) that contain partial exon 10 and a unique 39-aa C-terminal region encoded by exo...

We have identified a novel exon 11 of the human prolactin receptor (hPRLR) gene that is distinct from its rodent counterparts and have demonstrated the presence of two novel short forms of the hPRLR (S1a and S1b), which are derived from alternative splicing of exons 10 and 11. S1a encodes 376 amino acids (aa) that contain partial exon 10 and a unique 39-aa C-terminal region encoded by exon 11. ...