An Overview on the Role of Prolactin and its Receptors in the Reproductive System of Women with External Genital Endometriosis

Abstract

Numerous studies on animal models endow prolactin with multiple functions, both physiological (reproduction, lactation, growth, metabolism, transport and electrolyte behaviour) and pathological (immunity and carcinogenesis). Prolactin is an acidophilic cells hormone of the anterior pituitary gland. For the past decade, there have been many discoveries regarding the functions of prolactin and its receptor (PRL-R). Prolactin has its effect by binding to membrane-bound receptor isoforms, known as long-form and short-form receptors. The PRL-R receptor is expressed in various tissues, such as the mammary gland, prostate gland, ovaries, immune system cells, adipocytes, liver, etc. One of the most well-known functions of prolactin is to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of breast cells necessary for lactation. Animal models have provided information on the biology of prolactin proteins and give convincing evidence that each prolactin isoform has independent biological functions. It is important to remember that excessive secretion of this hormone is associated with such symptoms as hypogonadism and infertility. Today, up to 40% of all female infertility cases are caused by hyperproduction of prolactin. One of the infertility causes is a combination of hyperprolactinemia and external genital endometriosis, which is currently not well studied. It remains relevant to determine the role of prolactin and dopamine in the pathogenesis of infertility in women with external genital endometriosis and the possibility of using dopamine agonists in the treatment of this disease. This review focuses on the role of prolactin and its receptors in the pathogenesis of infertility associated with endometriosis.