Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) activates PRL receptor isoforms to exert regulation of specific neuronal circuitries, and to control numerous physiological and clinically-relevant functions including; maternal behavior, energy balance and food intake, stress and trauma responses, anxiety, neurogenesis, migraine and pain. PRL controls these critical functions by regulating receptor potential thresholds, neuronal excitability and/or neurotransmission efficiency. PR L also influences neuronal functions via activation of certain neurons, resulting in Ca2+ influx and/or electrical firing with subsequent release of neurotransmitters. Although PRL was identified almost a century ago, very little specific information is known about how PRL regulates neuronal functions. Nevertheless, important initial steps have recently been made including the identification of PRL-induced transient signaling pathways in neurons and the modulation of neuronal transient receptor potential (TR P) and Ca2+ -dependent K+ channels by PRL. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and recent progress in understanding the regulation of neuronal excitability and channels by PRL.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 193-202 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Channels |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neuronal channels
- Neuropeptides
- Prolactin receptor
- TRP channels
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry