Lactotropes

Lactotropes (or mammotropes) are endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary gland that produce and secrete prolactin (PRL). Prolactin's primary role is to stimulate milk production (lactation) in the mammary glands after childbirth. Its secretion is primarily under inhibitory control by dopamine from the hypothalamus. Lactotropes can increase in number during pregnancy and lactation.