In-depth studies have identified many hormones important for controlling mammary growth and maintaining lactation. One of these is melatonin, which is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland to regulate circadian rhythms, improve antioxidant capacity, and enhance immunity. Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland and is associated with the growth and development of mammary glands as well as initiation and maintenance of lactation. The hypothalamus-pituitary system, the most important endocrine system in the body, regulates prolactin secretion mainly through dopamine released from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. This review provides a reference for further study and describes the regulation of lactation and prolactin secretion by melatonin, primarily via the protection and stimulation of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.

深入研究发现许多激素对于控制乳腺生长和维持泌乳很重要。其中之一是褪黑激素，褪黑激素由松果体合成并分泌，可调节昼夜节律，提高抗氧化能力并增强免疫力。催乳素由垂体分泌，与乳腺的生长和发育以及泌乳的开始和维持有关。下丘脑-垂体系统是人体内最重要的内分泌系统，主要通过从肺漏斗性多巴胺能神经元释放的多巴胺来调节催乳素分泌。这篇综述为进一步的研究提供了参考，并描述了褪黑激素主要通过保护和刺激肺漏斗性多巴胺能神经元来调节泌乳和催乳激素分泌。