Endocrinology & Reproduction · NEET PG Preparation Physiology
A 34-year-old female presents to the endocrinology clinic with complaints of spontaneous milk secretion from both breasts and irregular menses over t…
Practice question from Endocrinology & Reproduction (NEET PG Preparation Physiology), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
easy · MCQ · Q-427632
A 34-year-old female presents to the endocrinology clinic with complaints of spontaneous milk secretion from both breasts and irregular menses over the past six months. Laboratory evaluation reveals a serum prolactin level of 120 ng/mL. Which of the following hypothalamic factors exerts the primary tonic inhibitory control over the secretion of this hormone?
- A.Somatostatin
- B.DopamineCorrect answer
- C.Thyrotropin-releasing hormone
- D.Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Solution
Prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary is uniquely under predominant tonic inhibitory control by the hypothalamus, mediated by dopamine (Prolactin-Inhibiting Factor, PIF). Loss of this dopaminergic inhibition (e.g., due to pituitary stalk compression or certain drugs) leads to hyperprolactinemia.
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