Regulation of the synthesis and release of decidual prolactin by placental and autocrine/paracrine factors.

Human decidual tissue synthesizes and secretes a protein that is identical to pituitary prolactin in its chemical, biological and immunological properties. Nevertheless, the factors that regulate the synthesis and release of prolactin from the decidual tissues appear to be different to those regulating the synthesis and release of pituitary prolactin. Studies from our laboratory over the past few years indicate that the synthesis and release of decidual prolactin are regulated, at least in part, by factors released by placenta, fetal membranes and decidua. The placenta releases a 23.5 KMr protein [decidual prolactin-releasing factor (PRL-RF)] that stimulates a rapid release of prolactin within the first few minutes of exposure and a sustained, prolonged, increase in the synthesis and release of prolactin beginning 6-8 h after exposure. The acute release of prolactin in response to PRL-RF is inhibited by decidual prolactin release-inhibitory factor (PRL-IF), a 35-45 K Mr protein that is released by the decidua. The secondary increase in the synthesis and release of prolactin in response to PRF-RF is blocked by lipocortin I, which is synthesized by both the placenta and decidua. IGF-I, insulin and relaxin also stimulate the synthesis and release of prolactin. However, the stimulation in response to these factors does not occur until 24-48 h after exposure. The cellular mechanisms involved in the release of decidual prolactin are as yet unknown. However, recent studies implicate activation of adenylate cyclase, phospholipase C-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and phospholipase A2-mediated arachidonic acid release in the regulation of prolactin release. The finding that the synthesis and release of decidual prolactin are regulated, at least in part, by PRL-RF, IGF-I, insulin, relaxin and lipocortin I strongly suggests that there is novel feedback regulation between the placenta, fetal membranes, and decidua in the regulation of the synthesis and release of decidual prolactin.