Question

Dopamine may function as a prolactin-inhibiting hormone.
a. True
b. False

Answer 1

True

Prolactin is a product of anterior pituitary gland and best known its role in the production of milk. Also, it plays essential role in the regulation of the immune system, metabolism and pancreatic development. However, secretion of prolactin is under inhibitory control that is mediated by dopamine.

Answer 2

One of the main functions of dopamine is to inhibit the hormone prolactin hence the answer is true. The secretion of prolactin is under inhibitory control of dopamine by inhibiting the D2 receptors of lactotrophs (prolactin producing cells) of the anterior pituitary gland.

Dopamine deficiency in the hypothalamus more often than not cause hyperprolactinemia which often manifests in females as amenorrhea.