What is the Difference Between Prolactin and Oxytocin Hormone?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Prolactin and oxytocin are two hormones involved in the production and release of milk during lactation. They have distinct roles and are synthesized and released from different locations in the body. Here are the key differences between prolactin and oxytocin:
- Origin: Prolactin is a protein hormone synthesized by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary and released from the pituitary gland. Oxytocin, on the other hand, is a protein hormone synthesized by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland.
- Function: Prolactin is responsible for milk production, stimulating the mammary glands to produce milk. Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection reflex and uterine contraction during labor and delivery. It also plays a role in childbirth, orgasms, and bonding between mothers and their babies.
- Regulation: During lactation, the relationship between prolactin and oxytocin changes, allowing these hormones to work together. Prolactin promotes milk synthesis, and oxytocin stimulates milk ejection. Suckling by the baby stimulates the secretion of both hormones.
In summary, prolactin and oxytocin are two distinct hormones involved in lactation, with prolactin responsible for milk production and oxytocin responsible for milk ejection and uterine contractions. They are synthesized and released from different locations in the body and work together during lactation to ensure the successful production and release of milk.
Comparative Table: Prolactin vs Oxytocin Hormone
Here is a table comparing the differences between prolactin and oxytocin hormones:
Feature | Prolactin | Oxytocin |
---|---|---|
Definition | Prolactin is a protein hormone primarily responsible for milk production. | Oxytocin is a protein hormone responsible for milk ejection reflex and uterine contraction during labor. |
Synthesis | Synthesized by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary. | Synthesized by the hypothalamus. |
Release | Released from the pituitary. | Released from the posterior pituitary. |
Gene Encoding | Encoded by the PRL gene. | Encoded by the OXT gene. |
Function in Males | Present in males as well as females. | Present in males as well as females. |
Production | Prolactin levels are usually kept in check by the hypothalamus in non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding individuals. | Oxytocin levels are low outside of pregnancy but increase slightly during orgasm. |
Prolactin and oxytocin are two hormones involved in the production and release of milk during lactation. While prolactin is responsible for milk production, oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection reflex and uterine contraction during labor. Both hormones are present in males and females.
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