Prolactin inhibits oocyte release after gonadotropin stimulation in the rat: Putative mechanism involving ovarian production of beta-endorphin and prostaglandin

Prolactin is able to reduce the number of oocytes released and modulate ovarian beta-endorphin and PGE2 release, which may account for its peripheral anovulatory effects. This local effect of PRL could interfere in the process of ovulation induction by exogenous gonadotropins.