Description
Prolactin Receptor (PRL-R) is a cytokine receptor that lacks an intrinsic kinase domain and relies on the cytoplasmic Jak tyrosine kinases to transduce signals (1). PRL-R is required for the signaling and proliferation of prolactin (2). Prolactin receptors have been localized in a number of peripheral tissues, including tissues involved in reproduction (3). Within the immune system, multiple isoforms of PRL-R serve to mediate the effects of prolactin. These isoforms are structurally and functionally distinct, causing significant differences in ligand affinities, kinetics of transduction and the transduction proteins activated. Differential activation of these pathways may contribute to the pleiotropism of prolactin action in tissues of the immune system (4). PRL-R is required for normal maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy (5)