Role of prolactin in the growth and secretory activity of the prostate and other accessory glands of mammals

Experimental evidence in support of the role of prolactin in the growth and secretory activity of the prostate and other accessory glands of mammals is reviewed. Special attention has been focused on the recent evidences based on the use of chemical indices of secretory activity of the prostate gland. The observed strain differences of the prostate in response to prolactin in rats and the paucity of data in other species is emphasized. The need for studies on mammals with compact prostate gland is stressed. Prolactin synergizes with androgen in stimulating fructose and citric acid secretion by the accessory glands in the Indian palm squirrel. In spite of our basic understanding of the synergistic effects of prolactin, its mechanism of action is still enigmatic. The importance of the use of organ culture techniques in the study of the effects of prolactin has been underscored.