Expression of prolactin gene and secretion of prolactin by rat retinal capillary endothelial cells.

Abstract

Endothelial cells from the microcirculation of rat retina produce and release prolactin. That the cloned prolactin receptor was not expressed in these cells argues against direct autocrine effects of prolactin. Possible paracrine effects are suggested by the expression of the prolactin receptor in retinal tissue.