| Dopamine is an inhibitor of prolactin secretion
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| Prolactin is unique among the pituitary hormones in that it is under predominantly inhibitory control from the hypothalamus (see Fig. 37.4). Furthermore, the controlling agent is the very simple molecule dopamine, which is produced by tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons. Dopamine works by stimulating the pituitary lactotroph D2 receptor to inhibit adenylate cyclase and consequently inhibits both prolactin synthesis and secretion. Several neuropeptides, including TRH, have prolactin-releasing properties, but there is little evidence for a physiologic role.
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