Definition

Noun: A hormone, specifically prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to stimulate the growth of mammary glands and the production of milk (lactation) in females after childbirth (parturition).

Examples of Usage

• The lactogenic hormone is essential for initiating and maintaining milk production in new mothers.
• Researchers studied the levels of lactogenic hormone in the bloodstream.
• The secretion of the lactogenic hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus.

Advanced Usage

• Endocrinology Context: In endocrinology, "lactogenic hormone" is a functional descriptor for prolactin, highlighting its specific role in lactation. It is often discussed in relation to other pituitary hormones.
• Comparative Physiology: The term can be used when discussing the hormone's role across different mammalian species, as its lactogenic function is conserved.

Variants and Related Words

• Prolactin (n): The more common and specific scientific name for the lactogenic hormone.
• Luteotropic hormone (LTH) (n): An older, less common synonym for prolactin/lactogenic hormone, referencing its additional role in maintaining the corpus luteum in some species.
• Lactogen (n): A general term for any substance that induces lactation.
• Lactogenic (adj): Describing something that stimulates milk production (e.g., lactogenic effect).

Synonyms

• Prolactin
• Luteotropic hormone (LTH) (archaic/context-specific)

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Lactogenic hormone secretion: The process of releasing this hormone from the pituitary gland.
• Lactogenic hormone receptor: The specific protein on cell surfaces that the hormone binds to in order to exert its effects.

Noun

1. gonadotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary; in females it stimulates growth of the mammary glands and lactation after parturition