Journal September 26, 2026 6 min read

What markers track prolactin?

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone measured as a biomarker in research on pituitary pathology, neuroendocrine stress, and drug effects. This page outlines the markers and models in which prolactin is tracked.

peptides-pro Editorial

Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone of the anterior pituitary, also known as lactotropin or luteotropic hormone. It is a member of the somatotropin/prolactin family of cytokines and acts via the prolactin receptor, a type I cytokine receptor. In research settings, prolactin is quantified as a biomarker in serum, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid, and its measurement is used to track pituitary function, neuroendocrine stress responses, and drug effects in both animal models and human studies.

The work centres on the prolactin receptor (PRLR) and its downstream JAK2/STAT5 signalling pathway, though many studies simply measure circulating prolactin as a readout of pituitary lactotroph activity or dopaminergic tone.

Research Studies

Prolactin and pituitary abscess in a POEMS-like syndrome

A case report described a patient with a pituitary abscess and features suggestive of POEMS syndrome, a rare paraneoplastic disorder characterised by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes [1]. The report noted that pituitary abscess can lead to panhypopituitarism, and that the co-presentation with POEMS-like syndrome had not been previously reported. Prolactin was among the endocrine parameters assessed, though the abstract does not specify prolactin values. The authors emphasised the diagnostic challenge of this overlap [1].

Prolactin and pituitary metastasis in a tertiary-centre series

A retrospective case series of 14 patients with pituitary metastasis diagnosed between 2010 and 2025 characterised clinical presentation, endocrine phenotype, and outcomes [2]. Median age was 52.5 years. Prolactin was included in the endocrine workup, and the authors highlighted red flags for early diagnosis. The series reported that pituitary metastasis can present with endocrine deficits, including hyperprolactinaemia or hypopituitarism, depending on the extent of gland involvement [2].

Prolactin and performance-enhancing peptides modulating the GH-IGF1 axis

A review of performance-enhancing peptides marketed as research compounds described agents such as GHRH analogues (sermorelin, tesamorelin, CJC-1295 with and without DAC), growth hormone secretagogues (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin, ipamorelin), the GH fragment AOD9604, and IGF-1 analogues [3]. These compounds are used in self-administration protocols to modulate the GH-IGF-1 axis. Prolactin is relevant because some secretagogues can influence prolactin release, and prolactin is often measured alongside GH and IGF-1 in studies of these agents. The review noted the gap between clinical evidence and patient self-administration [3].

Prolactin and cagrilintide action in the dorsal vagal complex

A cross-species transcriptomics atlas of over 530,000 cells from rat, mouse, and macaque caudal brainstem identified 80 neuronal cell populations and mapped the rat dorsal vagal complex (DVC) [4]. The study showed that cagrilintide, an amylin receptor agonist, regulates two conserved Calcr-expressing DVC neuronal populations. While acute treatment altered gene expression in area postrema Calcr/Ramp3 neurons, chemogenetic activation in rats did not affect long-term food intake or body weight. Long-term cagrilintide treatment upregulated other pathways. Prolactin was not a primary focus, but the atlas provides a resource for studying neuroendocrine markers in these circuits [4].

Prolactin and asprosin in SSRI-induced male dysfunction

In rats treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), asprosin infusion restored erectile function, copulatory behaviour, and testicular morphology [5]. Asprosin is a fasting-induced adipokine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and activates orexigenic agouti-related peptide neurons. The study positioned asprosin as a therapeutic candidate for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Prolactin is a known modulator of reproductive function and is often altered by SSRI treatment; however, the abstract does not report prolactin levels [5].

Prolactin and secondary colostrum components in neonatal calves

A scoping review examined the effects of secondary colostrum components—cytokines, oligosaccharides, fatty acids, enzymes, and other nutrients—on neonatal calf physiology and metabolism [6]. While the review focused on IgG transfer and passive immunity, it noted that these secondary components play roles in metabolism and development. Prolactin is a hormone involved in lactation and is present in colostrum; its dynamics in neonatal calves were considered as part of the broader endocrine milieu, though the abstract does not detail specific findings [6].

Prolactin as a biomarker in a blackcurrant supplement trial under hypoxia

A registered clinical trial (NCT07166835) is investigating the cognitive effects of a blackcurrant-based drink under simulated high-altitude conditions (4,500 m normobaric hypoxia for ~180 minutes) [7]. The double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover design includes cognitive testing and physiological measures. Biomarkers to be assessed include MAO-B, BDNF, hsCRP, S100B, prolactin, C3G, and sarmentosin. Prolactin is included as a marker of neuroendocrine stress response to hypoxia [7].

Prolactin and cytokines in migraine pathophysiology

A clinical trial (NCT06426316) is exploring the role of cytokines and regulatory T lymphocytes in migraine pathophysiology [8]. Migraine is more prevalent in women and in patients with autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The study notes that several peptides, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), are involved. Prolactin is a hormone with immunomodulatory properties and has been implicated in migraine, particularly in women; however, the abstract does not specify prolactin as a primary outcome [8].

Prolactin and probiotic effects on hormone metabolism in overweight women

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (reference only) investigated the effects of a 12-week multi-strain probiotic intervention (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRa05, Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR08, and Lactobacillus crispatus LCr86) on endocrine, metabolic, and psychological parameters in overweight women [9]. The study aimed to assess hormone metabolism, body composition, and emotional regulation. Prolactin was among the hormones measured, though the abstract does not report specific results [9].

Prolactin and photoperiodic phenotypes in seasonal breeders

Transcriptomic analyses of limbic structures in Siberian hamsters and Japanese quails across photoperiodic phenotypes (reference only) examined seasonal brain plasticity [10]. Prolactin is a key hormone in seasonal reproduction and is regulated by photoperiod. The study provides a resource for understanding how photoperiod affects gene expression in the brain, with prolactin as a downstream marker [10].

Prolactin and hypophysitis in sarcoidosis

A systematic review (reference only) characterised hypophysitis in sarcoidosis, a rare manifestation of neurosarcoidosis that can cause permanent endocrine dysfunction, visual impairment, and neurological morbidity [11]. Prolactin is one of the hormones affected in hypophysitis, and its measurement is part of the diagnostic workup. The review summarised clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcomes [11].

Prolactin and GnRH agonist therapy in premenopausal breast cancer

A retrospective cohort study (reference only) compared goserelin and leuprolide, both GnRH agonists used for ovarian function suppression in premenopausal breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy [12]. The study examined whether differences in molecular structure lead to clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety. Prolactin is not a primary endpoint, but GnRH agonists can affect prolactin levels indirectly through their impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis [12].

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