Prolactin as a Candidate Sebotropic Hormone?

March 2018 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Ewan A. Langan, Eleanor Hinde, Ralf Paus

prolactin sebaceous gland keratin hair follicles sebotropic hormone acne cutaneous aging

TLDR Prolactin may influence skin glands and could be a target for treating acne and skin aging.

The document discussed the hormone prolactin (PRL), known for its role in lactation, and its potential effects on sebaceous gland (SG) biology. It highlighted that PRL is expressed in human skin and hair follicles, influencing keratin expression and hair growth. The authors proposed that PRL might act as a sebotropic hormone, suggesting it could be a novel therapeutic target for skin conditions affecting the SG, such as acne and cutaneous aging. Preliminary evidence from human skin organ culture supported this hypothesis, and the document outlined key questions and experimental approaches to explore PRL's role in SG function further.

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