ACTH is a critical stress hormone released by the anterior pituitary and acting on the adrenal glands.
ACTH travels through the blood to the adrenal cortex, where it induces expression of hormones called glucocorticoids, including cortisol
CRH causes ACTH release from corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary. ACTH release is mediated by a GPCR and Ca2+ influx.
Cortisol provides negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary.
Overexpression of PRL (hyperprolactinemia) can lead to galactorrhea
Both PRL and GH have similiar affinities for the PRL receptor.
Prolactin is a 199 amino acid hormone with 16% homology to growth hormone.