Zinc May Have a Physiological Role in Regulating Pituitary Prolactin Secretion

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Abstract
We studied the in vitro influence of physiologically relevant zinc concentrations on the pituitary synthesis and secretion of prolactin (Prl). Zinc in concentrations between 1 and 10 μM reduced Prl secretion and, to a milder extent, synthesis, but not basal or stimulated growth hormone (GH) or LH release. At a supraphysiological concentration of 100 μM, zinc markedly decreased Prl synthesis and secretion, but increased LH secretion. The ability of a physiological zinc concentration to influence Prl secretion suggests that this trace element may have a role in the in vivo regulation of Prl release.