Prolactin-releasing peptide

experimental

Also known as: Prolactin-releasing hormone, PRLH, P81277

**Mechanism of Action** Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), also known as prolactin-releasing hormone (PRLH), is a neuropeptide that binds with high affinity to the G protein-coupled receptor GPR10 (also termed PrRPR). Activation of GPR10 primarily couples to the Gq/11 signaling pathway, leading to phospholipase C activation, intracellular calcium mobilization, and subsequent stimulation of prolactin secretion from anterior pituitary lactotrophs. PrRP also modulates prolactin gene expression via downstream transcription factors, including Pit-1, and may influence additional neuroendocrine axes through hypothalamic-pituitary interactions. **Key Research Findings** Preclinical studies demonstrate that PrRP administration elevates circulating prolactin levels in rodent models, confirming its role as a physiological prolactin-releasing factor. However, its potency is context-dependent, with effects modulated by dopaminergic tone and other hypothalamic factors. Research also implicates PrRP in energy homeostasis, stress responses, and feeding behavior, as GPR10 knockout mice exhibit altered metabolic phenotypes and reduced anxiety-like behaviors. Despite these findings, PrRP’s role in human prolactin regulation remains less defined, as other factors (e.g., TRH, VIP) appear more dominant in physiological prolactin control. **Clinical Relevance** PrRP’s experimental status limits direct clinical application, but its receptor GPR10 is a target for investigating disorders of prolactin dysregulation, such as hyperprolactinemia or prolactinomas. Additionally, PrRP’s involvement in metabolic and stress pathways suggests potential relevance for obesity, anorexia, or anxiety disorders, though no approved therapies exist. Further research is needed to clarify its translational utility. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Hormonal & Endocrine
Sequence
MKVLRAWLLCLLMLGLALRGAASRTHRHSMEIRTPDINPAWYASRGIRPVGRFGRRRATLGDVPKPGLRPRLTCFPLEGGAMSSQDG
Molecular weight
9639 g/mol
Research status
experimental
References
271
Tags
uniprot, 3d-structure, amidation, cleavage-on-pair-of-basic-residues, hormone, reference-proteome, secreted, signal

Mechanism of action

Stimulates prolactin (PRL) release and regulates the expression of prolactin through its receptor GPR10. May stimulate lactotrophs directly to secrete PRL

Research & studies

Analog of prolactin-releasing peptide reduces body weight primarily through sustained fatty acid oxidation rather than hypophagia
Cell metabolism · 2026 · PubMed

NN501 reduces body weight similarly to GLP-1 receptor agonists but with only modest effects on food intake.; Weight loss is driven by increased energy expenditure and sustained fatty acid oxidation.; Discontinuation of NN501 results in gradual weight regain without compensatory hyperphagia.; GPR10/NPFFR2 agonism offers an alternative weight-loss mechanism to GLP-1 receptor agonism.

Prolactin-Releasing Peptide System as a Potential Mechanism of Stress Coping: Studies in Male Rats
International journal of molecular sciences · 2025 · PubMed
Structural insights into prolactin-releasing peptide receptor signaling and G-protein coupling selectivity
Cell reports · 2025 · PubMed
An analogue of the Prolactin Releasing Peptide reduces obesity and promotes adult neurogenesis
EMBO reports · 2024 · PubMed
Protective effect of Prolactin releasing peptide against 1,2-diacetylbenzene -induced neuroinflammation
Neuropeptides · 2023 · PubMed
The Relation between Increasing Anxiety and Prolactin-Releasing Peptide in Rats
Archives of Razi Institute · 2023 · PubMed
[Prolactin-releasing peptide increases rat anxiety]
Problemy endokrinologii · 2021 · PubMed
Prolactin-Releasing Peptide: Physiological and Pharmacological Properties
International journal of molecular sciences · 2019 · PubMed

PrRP belongs to the RF-amide neuropeptide family and primarily regulates food intake and energy expenditure.; The review covers structure-activity relationship studies of PrRP and its analogs.; PrRP exhibits anorexigenic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular regulatory properties.; The peptide and its analogs show therapeutic potential for various conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Prolactin-releasing peptide?

**Mechanism of Action** Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), also known as prolactin-releasing hormone (PRLH), is a neuropeptide that binds with high affinity to the G protein-coupled receptor GPR10 (also termed PrRPR). Activation of GPR10 primarily couples to the Gq/11 signaling pathway, leading to phospholipase C acti

How does Prolactin-releasing peptide work?

Stimulates prolactin (PRL) release and regulates the expression of prolactin through its receptor GPR10. May stimulate lactotrophs directly to secrete PRL

What is the research status of Prolactin-releasing peptide?

Prolactin-releasing peptide is currently classified as experimental, with 271 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of Prolactin-releasing peptide?

Prolactin-releasing peptide has a molecular weight of approximately 9639 g/mol.

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