The Journal of surgical research
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The immunomodulatory properties of the pituitary hormone prolactin have been demonstrated. It was proposed that prolactin is important in maintaining normal immune response in several pathological states. We investigated the effect of prolactin administration on the survival and cellular immune functions during systemic inflammation. ⋯ We conclude that prolactin has profound immunomodulatory properties and that administration of prolactin in pharmacological doses is associated with a decreased survival and an inhibition of cellular immune functions in septic mice.