Prolactin and the Secretion of Insulin and Glucagon by the Pancreas

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Abstract
Eighteen cross-circulation experiments were performed by anastomosing the pancreatic-duodenal or a mesenteric vein of a donor dog D with a femoral vein of a recipient dog R. The intravenous injection of prolactin into previously untreated normal donors causes a lowering of the blood sugar in dog D accompanied by liberation of insulin and consequent hypoglycemia in dog R. Prolactin (luteotropin) causes hyperglycemia in donor dogs previously treated with repeated injections of this hormone. The blood sugar of dog R remains unchanged. Results indicate that the so-called diabetogenic effect of prolactin may be the result of a rapid dumping of preformed insulin by the B-cells of the islets of Langerhans, followed by decreased production. Available evidence suggests that prolactin does not cause an increase in glucagon secretion.