Prolactin: A Mammalian Stress Hormone and Its Role in Cutaneous Pathophysiology

June 2024 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Ewan A. Langan

prolactin PRL hair growth cutaneous pathophysiology skin biology immunomodulator PRL-mediated signaling

Studysummary In this review, the potential role of the hormone prolactin in skin biology and its implications for treating skin diseases and hair disorders are explored, with a focus on its stress-related impacts and possible immunomodulatory function in the context of COVID-19. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The review examines prolactin (PRL) as a stress hormone with significant roles in skin pathophysiology, including its involvement in hair disorders and autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata and psoriasis. PRL is produced in skin and hair follicles and influences hair growth, sebaceous gland function, and immune response. Elevated PRL levels are linked to disease severity in conditions such as psoriasis and acne, suggesting that targeting PRL pathways could offer new treatment strategies. The document emphasizes the complexity of PRL's role due to its diurnal secretion pattern and various influencing factors, proposing further research into PRL's expression in the skin and its potential therapeutic applications.

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