Description
Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) is a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily member that lacks an intrinsic kinase domain and relies on the cytoplasmic Jak tyrosine kinases to transduce signals (1). Prolactin receptors have been localized in a number of peripheral tissues, including tissues involved in reproduction (2). It is also expressed both in the stromal and epithelial compartment of the mammary gland (3). Within the immune system, multiple isoforms of the prolactin receptor serve to mediate the effects of its ligand 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). Prolactin receptor is required for normal maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy (5)