Anais da XXXVII Reunião Anual da FeSBE

Prolactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone synthesized and secreted mainly by the anterior pituitary. Although it was first recognized by its role in promoting lactation and development of mammary glands, several other actions of this hormone have been identified such as the modulation of stress responses and anxiety. The great majority of these effects are reported in females, and the relevance of PRL in males remains unclear. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) contains stress-activated neuronal populations including the oxytocin (OT)-producing neurons that express PRL receptors. Thus, we hypothesize that OT neurons in the PVN can be a target for the modulation of stress responses by PRL in males.